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Title: Application of the Uranium–Helium Chronometer to the Analysis of Nuclear Forensic Materials

Journal Article · · Analytical Chemistry
ORCiD logo [1];  [1]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States). Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division
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Radiochronometers are used to constrain the manufacturing and processing history of actinide materials for nuclear forensic investigations. This paper describes here U–He ages and He diffusion kinetics obtained from a metallic, highly enriched uranium sample. The average U–He age is 8% older than the known casting date, which indicates that excess He is present and is likely due to incomplete degassing of pre-existing He during the casting process. Although the U–He age is older than expected, the accuracy is comparable to other chronometers that have been applied to this material. Diffusion kinetics obtained from the uranium metal indicate that He is quantitatively retained under plausible storage conditions.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; LLNL Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344
OSTI ID:
1512619
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL-702173; 835800
Journal Information:
Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 88, Issue 24; ISSN 0003-2700
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 1 work
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY