Nuclear forensic analysis of uranium oxide powders interdicted in Victoria, Australia

Kristo, M J; Keegan, Elizabeth; Colella, Michael; Williams, Ross W.; Lindvall, Rachel E.; Eppich, Gary R.; Roberts, Sarah; Borg, L. E.; Gaffney, Amy M.; Plaue, Jonathan; Knight, Kim B.; Loi, E.; Hotchkis, M.A.C.; Moody, Κ. J.; Singleton, Michael; Robel, Martin; Hutcheon, I. D.

doi:10.1515/ract-2014-2363

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

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“…This type of analysis has clear utility for, e.g., quantitative determination of the mixture of oxide phases present in an aged specimen of uranium-bearing material. 11,23,[50][51][52][53]…”

Section: Compilation Of Baseline Soft X-ray Absorption Data On Uraniumentioning

confidence: 99%

“…9 Isotopic content and trace element impurities can be correlated with process history, and in some cases can provide information on the possible geographic origin of a specimen. [10][11][12][13] Data from a broad array of analytical methods are typically needed to completely characterize a forensic specimen, with each measurement providing a different constraint on the possible process history and origin. Techniques applied in the literature include mass spectrometry, nuclear counting, X-ray fluorescence, and powder X-ray diffraction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Past studies of illicit nuclear material have required a combination of rapid analyses at several different facilities to rule out possible origins of the material. [10][11] Here, technical developments in sample preparation and instrument operation at the Molecular Environmental Science (MES) STXM Beamline 11.0.2 of the Advanced Light Source (ALS) are described, with a focus on improved utility and throughput for heterogeneous forensic specimens. Initial results are presented, including baseline spectra acquired from common uranium materials, demonstrations of STXM speciation capability on mixtures of known particulates, and preliminary studies of forensic specimens.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Development of small particle speciation for nuclear forensics by soft X-ray scanning transmission spectromicroscopy

Pacold

Altman

Knight

et al. 2018

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Synchrotron radiation spectromicroscopy provides a combination of submicron spatial resolution and chemical sensitivity that is well-suited to analysis of heterogeneous nuclear materials. The chemical and physical characteristics determined by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) are complementary to information obtained from standard radiochemical analysis methods. In addition, microscopic quantities of radioactive material can be characterized rapidly by STXM with minimal sample handling and intrusion, especially in the case of particulate materials. The STXM can accommodate a diverse range of samples including wet materials, complex mixtures, and small quantities of material contained in a larger matrix. In these cases, the inventory of species present in a sample is likely to carry information on its process history; STXM has the demonstrated capability to identify contaminants and sample matrices. Operating in the soft X-ray regime provides particular sensitivity to the chemical state of specimens containing low-Z materials, via the K-edges of light elements. Here, recent developments in forensics-themed spectromicroscopy, sample preparation, and data acquisition methods at the Molecular Environmental Science Beamline 11.0.2 of the Advanced Light Source are described. Results from several initial studies are presented, demonstrating the capability to identify the distribution of the species present in heterogeneous uranium-bearing materials. Future opportunities for STXM forensic studies and potential methodology development are discussed.

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Section: Compilation Of Baseline Soft X-ray Absorption Data On Uraniumentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Development of small particle speciation for nuclear forensics by soft X-ray scanning transmission spectromicroscopy

Pacold

Altman

Knight

et al. 2018

Analyst

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“…One case occurred in Victoria (Kristo et al 2015), where two unusual samples with depleted uranium isotopic compositions were seized. The samples were thoroughly analyzed at both ANSTO and LLNL for stoichiometry, trace elemental composition, U isotopic composition, particle morphology, and radiochronometry.…”

Section: International Seizuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nuclear Forensic Science: Analysis of Nuclear Material Out of Regulatory Control

Kristo

Gaffney

Marks

et al. 2016

Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.

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Nuclear forensic science seeks to identify the origin of nuclear materials found outside regulatory control. It is increasingly recognized as an integral part of a robust nuclear security program. This review highlights areas of active, evolving research in nuclear forensics, with a focus on analytical techniques commonly employed in Earth and planetary sciences. Applications of nuclear forensics to uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) are discussed first. UOCs have become an attractive target for nuclear forensic researchers because of the richness in impurities compared to materials produced later in the fuel cycle. The development of chronometric methods for age dating nuclear materials is then discussed, with an emphasis on improvements in accuracy that have been gained from measurements of multiple radioisotopic systems. Finally, papers that report on casework are reviewed, to provide a window into current scientific practice. Ian Hutcheon, our friend, colleague, and mentor, passed away on March 26, 2015, during the writing of this review paper. Ian (PhD, Physics, University of California, Berkeley, 1974)

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“…Two samples seized in police raids in Victoria, Australia. The uranium isotopic abundance of the samples revealed that the samples did not originate from Australia …”

Section: Isotopic Composition Of Uranium Plutonium and Stable Elementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nuclear Forensics: Scientific Analysis Supporting Law Enforcement and Nuclear Security Investigations

et al. 2016

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Nuclear forensic analysis of uranium oxide powders interdicted in Victoria, Australia

Cited by 8 publications

References 0 publications

Development of small particle speciation for nuclear forensics by soft X-ray scanning transmission spectromicroscopy

Development of small particle speciation for nuclear forensics by soft X-ray scanning transmission spectromicroscopy

Nuclear Forensic Science: Analysis of Nuclear Material Out of Regulatory Control

Nuclear Forensics: Scientific Analysis Supporting Law Enforcement and Nuclear Security Investigations

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