Efficient Isotope Ratio Analysis of Uranium Particles in Swipe Samples by Total-Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

A new particle recovery method and a sensitive screening method were developed for subsequent isotope ratio analysis of uranium particles in safeguards swipe samples. The particles in the swipe sample were recovered onto a carrier by means of vacuum suction-impact collection method. When grease coating was applied to the carrier, the recovery efficiency was improved to 48±9%, which is superior to that of conventionally-used ultrasoneration method. Prior to isotope ratio analysis with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) was applied to screen the sample for the presence of uranium particles. By the use of Si carriers in TXRF analysis, the detection limit of 22 pg was achieved for uranium. By combining these methods with SIMS, the isotope ratios of ²³⁵U/²³⁸U for individual uranium particles were efficiently determined.

KEYWORDS:

• safeguards swipe samples
• environmental sample analysis
• uranium
• particles
• TXRF
• SIMS
• isotope ratio
• impactor
• XRF
• SEM