Utilizing Multi-modal Synchrotron Methods for Nuclear Forensic
Applications

Constraining the origin and intended use of nuclear materials by rapid, high-sensitivity and highthroughput chemical and structural analysis remains a challenge. High intensity and brightness of thirdgeneration synchrotron sources, such as National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), coupled with state-of-the-art sample manipulation and detection tools, present an exceptional opportunity to advance international nuclear forensics capabilities. Synchrotron methods are non-destructive and potentially serve as a unique diagnostic tool by providing not only unique characterization information but also potentially critical downstream analytical operations guidance for subsequent destructive analysis methods. We are developing synchrotron-based methods with several key advantages, including: 1) non-destructive analysis with minimal sample preparation; 2) rapid data collection enabling high sample throughput; 3) focused and high intensity beams resulting in superb spatial resolution and sensitivity; and 4) multi-modality which enables monitoring chemical composition, bulk and local structural changes on the same region of interest in a single measurement. We are developing sample holders that will enable high throughput measurements on different sample types such as capillaries, planchets and swipes and will enable multi-modal measurements so that both bulk structure and sample compositions can be studied via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) respectively. Our work will provide a comprehensive understanding of actinide-containing particulate systems and enable screening of hundreds of samples per day, which is a significant increase in sample throughput as compared to laboratory-based methods. Our technique will be complementary to existing methods as subsequent isotopic analysis is possible due to the non-destructive nature of analysis.