Gamma-ray spectrometry analysis methods for radioisotope dissolution and mixing for nuclear forensics applications

Journal Article · 10 August 2022 · Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08462-3 · OSTI ID:1888501

Holschuh, Tommy V  ^[1]; Snow, Mathew S  ^[1]; Ocampo Giraldo, Luis A  ^[1]; Chichester, David L  ^[1]

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1. Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

We report the production of surrogate nuclear explosive debris involves the dissolution of irradiated fissile material, elemental isolation, and recombination based on required fission product ratios. Gamma-ray spectrometry is used following each step to assess the radioactive fission product inventory. A high-purity germanium detector is used to measure each sample, and the detector efficiencies are determined prior to sample measurements. Through radiochemical techniques, elements are isolated and recombined into samples with specific fission product ratios. As a result, a matrix-based approach can account for imperfect chemical separations to calculate the proper mixture volumes to obtain intended volatile-to-refractory fission product ratios, or R-values.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation; USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 1888501
• Report Number(s): INL/CON-22-66332-Rev000; INL/JOU--22-66566
• Journal Information: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 331; ISSN 0236-5731
• Publisher: SpringerCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English