DOE OSTI · 3029324
Characterizing microscale signatures in uranium ore concentrates using electron probe microanalyzer
Abstract
Impurities in uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) serve as forensic signatures of processing history and origin. Here, this study utilizes Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA) to characterize microscale compositional and textural features in individual UOC particles from both commercial and bench-scale production. At the particle scale, multiple internal phases with distinct morphologies, chemical signatures, and stoichiometries are documented. Our data shows that chemical impurities are heterogeneously distributed within single particles and among particles within a sample. These microscale heterogeneities correlate with known processing histories, indicating that microscale signatures of early fuel cycle materials can provide valuable information for nuclear forensic material analysis.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Chan, Christine F. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Boro, Joseph R. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Gaffney, Amy M. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Marks, Naomi E. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Lindvall, Rachel E. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Swider, Joseph R. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]. 2026-04-02. Characterizing microscale signatures in uranium ore concentrates using electron probe microanalyzer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-026-10814-2
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.