Year
2021
File Attachment
a241.pdf6.04 MB
Abstract
Development of Microcalorimeter Decay Energy Spectroscopy to Meet Safeguards NeedsLA-UR-21-21072Microcalorimeter decay energy spectroscopy is a novel radiometric measurement technology under development for near-term use in safeguards analytical laboratories because of its potential to accurately determine the composition of small uranium, plutonium, and other actinide containing waste samples with 1 Bq or less of alpha activity. These small sample quantities will simplify shipping procedures and minimize time between sample collection and analysis. As a radiometric technique complementary to mass spectrometry, decay energy spectroscopy can improve confidence in analytical results. Developing rapid sample preparation methods that yield high resolution spectra has been a historical challenge. We present results of ultrasonic welding as a refined new sample preparation technique, giving an automated and more practical alternative to the currently-used mechanical kneading technique. High activity measurements will require the ability to deconvolve pulse pileup, particularly for high activity waste samples from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing that have high beta activity, and therefore challenge the analysis of the alpha isotopes. We will present new quantitative analysis results of plutonium, uranium, and high activity waste samples, and highlight the potential of decay energy spectroscopy to aid analytical laboratories in meeting safeguards needs.The work presented in this paper was funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration of the Department of Energy, Office of International Nuclear Safeguards.