Modeling of Gamma-ray Spectra to Direct Efficient Chemical Separations
In an age of heightened national security regarding nuclear terrorist threats, reliable and rapid analytical methods for the quantification of radionuclides in fission product samples are needed to provide forensic information and sample characterization. Measurement of characteristic gamma-ray emissions by high-purity germanium spectrometers offers one means of analysis. Due to the high-activity and complex nature of samples, chemical separations are necessary to reduce background continuum levels and instances of spectral interference. A project has been initiated at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to model singles and coincident gamma-ray spectra that would result from various chemical separation strategies. The goal is to use these complementary counting techniques to tailor a series of efficient chemical separations that allow the rapid quantification of signature isotopes in samples. Modeling enables probable instances of spectral interference to be identified and aids in defining the temporal window of detection for radionuclides of interest following a given chemical separation. These data will help future analysts prioritize analytes of interest and separation strategies in the processing of real samples. A description of results to date is described here, demonstrating the utility of this approach for improved processing and analysis of fission product samples.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 936196
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-49318; JRNCDM; TRN: US200818%%586
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 276(3):583-588, Vol. 276, Issue 3; ISSN 0236-5731
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Report on Initial Direct Soil Leaching Experiments Using Post-Detonation Debris
Separation and Quantification of Chemically Diverse Analytes in Neutron Irradiated Fissile Materials