Ion Mobility – Mass Spectrometry Rapid Imaging of Special Nuclear Materials
Robot Nose will use new fast data throughput methods and experience with laser microfocus to dramatically improve the speed and spatial resolution of an established instrument, making it a useful tool for imaging special nuclear materials (SNM). Mass spectrometry imaging instruments have traditionally been too slow and mass alone is generally an insufficient measurement for organic analyses. This situation was markedly improved by Ionwerks Inc., who pioneered the combination of ion mobility with mass spectrometry imaging. In 2D mobility-mass plots, clearly identifiable trend lines can be selected and reduced to 1D mass spectra without isobaric interferences. This is a major advantage over other imaging mass spectrometers that generally cannot distinguish isobars without custom-built lasers or high voltage accelerators. Special nuclear material (SNM) contains substantial fissile isotopes, particularly 233U, 235U, and 239Pu. A complete forensic analysis of SNM therefore requires quantitative isotopic measurement – often through some form of mass spectrometry. SNM contaminated with inclusions such as pollen grains can help identify its prior locations. The project team is presently working on an approach to allow rapid screening of 1-3 cm diameter thin samples of such material.
- Research Organization:
- Robot Nose Corporation
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0021912
- OSTI ID:
- 1995985
- Type / Phase:
- SBIR (Phase I)
- Report Number(s):
- DOE-RN-21912
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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