Remote Americium Detection Using an Optical Sensor: A D-Optimal Strategy for Efficient PLS-Based Modeling

Sadergaski, Luke R.; Einkauf, Jeffrey D.; Pyles, Jennifer M.; Delmau, Laetitia Helene; Burns, Jonathan D.

doi:10.3390/s25227022

Remote Americium Detection Using an Optical Sensor: A D-Optimal Strategy for Efficient PLS-Based Modeling

Journal Article · Mon Nov 17 00:00:00 EST 2025 · Sensors

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/s25227022· OSTI ID:3004276

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham, AL (United States)

A fiber-optic visible–near-infrared absorption spectroscopy system in a glove box was demonstrated for remote quantification of Am(III) (0–500 µM) and HNO₃ (0.1–9 M) using partial least squares regression (PLSR) models. The sensor platform, featuring a simple plug-and-play spectrophotometer, can enable noninvasive, real-time monitoring of actinide process solutions. To establish a flexible PLSR model calibration strategy, a D-optimal design developed using Nd(III) in previous studies was successfully extended to an actinide system with Am(III) to effectively minimize sample set size while maintaining robust prediction performance. The results suggest strong spectral similarities between Nd(III) and Am(III) and validate Nd(III) as an effective optical surrogate for trivalent actinide species. This work also supports the generalizability of a D-optimal training set selection approach for two-factor systems. The PLS1 models for Am(III) and HNO₃ outperformed a PLS2 model and maintained reasonable performance in the presence of interfering U(VI). The resulting sensor system and multivariate approach provides a flexible and scalable solution for process monitoring, control, and safety in diverse nuclear applications.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725; AR0001689

OSTI ID:: 3004276

Journal Information:: Sensors, Journal Name: Sensors Journal Issue: 22 Vol. 25; ISSN 1424-8220

Publisher:: MDPI AGCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Remote Americium Detection Using an Optical Sensor: A D-Optimal Strategy for Efficient PLS-Based Modeling

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