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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Light quark loops in ${K}^{\pm}\to {\pi}^{\pm}\nu \overline{\nu}$ from vector meson dominance and update on the Kaon Unitarity Triangle

We use vector meson dominance to calculate non-perturbative contributions to the branching ratio of the rare decay $K$ ± → π ± $v\overline{v}$ stemming from matrix elements involving up-quark loops. The importance of this observable as well as of K 0 → π 0 l + l - and of the direct CP violation parameter ϵ' K is then discussed in the context of a Unitarity Triangle sqtudy based on Kaon sector observables only.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Towards the development of resonantly enhanced laser-based diagnostics for molten salt reactor safeguards

The adoption of Generation IV molten salt reactors (MSRs) depends on the ability to implement compatible monitoring instrumentation to ensure adherence to nuclear safeguards. This task is nontrivial due to the high temperature, reactive, and chemically complex fuel and coolant components contained within these systems. Optical spectroscopy techniques such as laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) are candidates for monitoring instrumentation. They offer many advantages for continuous monitoring, including the ability to operate at a standoff and compatibility with liquid-phase analytes. We discuss the use of LIF for the detection of Nd, a common fission fragment, within a liquid matrix. Results show that for NdCl3 dissolved in water, the Nd I 492.45 nm resonant transition is detectable without the need to induce a plasma and that the fluorescence emission can be separated in the time domain from the laser scatter signal. Additionally, we present a setup and preliminary results for measurements of solid Nd and U using resonant LIBS. The results demonstrate element-selective measurement capabilities and provide the foundational data necessary to continue the development of laser-based MSR diagnostics. This work also helps address gaps in the literature regarding energy level assignments of Nd.

98 - NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL↗
DOE OSTI2023

Characterization of actinide abundances and isotopic compositions by HR-ICP-MS. Part 2: Results from actinide doping studies

Previously, we presented actinide isotopic and elemental data from fallout melt glass that was measured using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). Direct comparison between these measurements and ‘gold standard’ data obtained by multi-collector ICP-MS showed broad overlap, indicating that HR-ICP-MS is a potentially valuable technique for producing actinide elemental and isotopic data on a relatively rapid timescale. To test the usefulness of this technique further, we doped varying amounts of uranium certified reference materials (CRMs) into a rhyolitic rock standard to establish the effects of uranium concentration and isotopic composition on the accuracy of uranium isotopic analyses by HR-ICP-MS. This also enabled us to quantify peak tailing effects from 238 U on the measurement of 239 Pu and 237 Np, which in turn allows us to constrain correction factors based on measured 237 Np/ 238 U and 239 Pu/ 238 U ratios. A second doping study involved the addition of a mixed actinide standard into three samples with different matrix compositions (termed soil, city, and seawater) to assess whether sample chemistry affects the accuracy and precision of these analyses. Results suggest that this is not the case. Systematic offsets were not observed in elemental or isotopic data derived from the three matrix samples. Results indicate that useful actinide isotopic data can be obtained from whole rock solutions by HR-ICP-MS. Our findings also have implications for solid sampling techniques such as laser ablation ICP-MS, which do not require sample dissolution.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2021

FEA-aided investigation of the effective thermal conductivity in a medium with embedded spheres

For multiple applications in nuclear energy, the ability to accurately represent material behavior with a simplified model is important to facilitate practical engineering-scale simulations. Here, we focus on the homogenized thermal response of a medium containing spherical inclusions, similar to a fuel form (compact or pebble) containing (TRISO) particles. A review on effective thermal conductivity (ETC) modeling is performed considering a random distribution of mono-sized spherical inclusions in a continuous matrix, with a primary focus on the analytical models. Finite element simulations are performed to evaluate each analytical model in varying material conditions. The model predictions are compared with the expected results obtained from the finite element predictions in addition to the Wiener and Hashin-Shtrikman bounds. Lastly, we included a practical discussion on the homogenization applied to a TRISO fuel pebble.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance Improvements of the Griffin Solvers in FY24

The Griffin code is a MOOSE-based reactor physics application jointly developed by Idaho National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory under the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation Program. This fiscal year, we have made significant efforts to improve the performance of transport solver options and cross-section generation for the efficient use of Griffin in advanced reactor applications. For the HFEM-PN solver, the residual evaluations of HFEM kernels were optimized by utilizing the pre- computed averaged cross sections for individual elements. Numerical integration involving the evaluation of basis functions at quadrature points was bypassed by facilitating precomputed element mass matrices for response matrices. Red-black iterations were improved by introducing a new generalized minimum residual based solver. The memory usage of response matrix storage was significantly reduced by applying basis function rotations on interfaces and calculating volumetric odd-parity moments on the fly. Additionally, the adjoint flux and transient calculation capabilities of the HFEM-PN solver were successfully implemented and verified using the TWIGL benchmark problem. For the DFEM-SN solver, memory footprint and computation time were significantly reduced by not treating angular flux vectors as the MOOSE nonlinear system vectors. Specifically for IQS, scalar adjoint weighting was introduced to further eliminate angular adjoint flux storage in the MOOSE auxiliary system. It was demonstrated through the three-dimensional Advanced Burner Test Reactor core problem that the memory usage for transient calculations with the IQS method was reduced by over 7.5× compared to before the optimizations. For the self-shielding application programming interface, a new double-heterogeneity treatment method, named the Bell Function-Based Analytic Two-Region Slowing Down Method, was developed to efficiently flux-volume homogenize TRISO particles with the matrix. Additionally, optimizations were made to hyper- fine group (HFG) slowing down calculations by pretabulating collision probability coefficients and grouping isotopes, significantly reducing the computational time for calculating scattering sources per HFG. Lastly, the pin power reconstruction module was extended to account for temporal behavior in a microreactor analysis problem, specifically for a control drum transient. Verification tests for each of these improvements demonstrated significant performance enhancements and memory reduction.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Colloid-facilitated transport of 238 Pu, 233 U and 137 Cs through fractured chalk: Laboratory experiments, modelling, and implications for nuclear waste disposal

The influence of montmorillonite colloids on the mobility of 238 Pu, 233 U and 137 Cs through a chalk fracture was investigated to assess the transport potential for radioactive waste. Radioisotopes of each element, along with the conservative tracer tritium, were injected in the presence and absence of montmorillonite colloids into a naturally fractured chalk core. In parallel, batch experiments were conducted to obtain experimental sorption coefficients (K d , mL/g) for both montmorillonite colloids and the chalk fracture material. Breakthrough curves were modelled to determine diffusivity and sorption of each radionuclide to the chalk and the colloids under advective conditions. Uranium sorbed sparingly to chalk (log K d = 0.7 ± 0.2) in batch sorption experiments. 233 U(VI) breakthrough was controlled primarily by the matrix diffusion and sorption to chalk (15 and 25% recovery with and without colloids, respectively). Cesium, in contrast, sorbed strongly to both the montmorillonite colloids and chalk (batch log K d = 3.2 ± 0.01 and 3.9 ± 0.01, respectively). The high affinity to chalk and low colloid concentrations overwhelmed any colloidal Cs transport, resulting in very low 137 Cs breakthrough (1.1–5.5% mass recovery). Batch and fracture transport results, and the associated modelling revealed that Pu migrates both as Pu (IV) sorbed to montmorillonite colloids and as dissolved Pu(V) (7% recovery). Transport experiments revealed differences in Pu(IV) and Pu(V) transport behavior that could not be quantified in simple batch experiments but are critical to effectively predict transport behavior of redox-sensitive radionuclides. Finally, a brackish groundwater solution was injected after completion of the fracture flow experiments and resulted in remobilization and recovery of 2.2% of the total sorbed radionuclides which remained in the core from previous experiments. In general, our study demonstrates consistency in sorption behavior between batch and advective fracture transport. Finally, the results suggest that colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport will enhance radionuclide migration in fractured chalk for those radionuclides with exceedingly high affinity for colloids.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2020

Scaling Trivalent Actinide and Lanthanide Recovery by Diglycolamide Resin from Savannah River Site’s Mark-18A Targets

The Savannah River National Laboratory is implementing a separation flowsheet to recover rare isotopes and transplutonium elements from irradiated 242 Pu targets known as Mark-18A targets. The Mark-18A targets contain the United States’ supply of nonseparated 244 Pu, which has a wide range of applications from nuclear forensics to production of superheavy elements such as flerovium. The targets also contain hundreds of grams of heavy curium ( 246–248 Cm), which is used as a target material for 252 Cf production. This work investigates the use of diglycolomide resin (DGA Resin) to recover valuable trivalent actinides from the Mark-18A targets. Batch contact experiments were performed on a representative simulant to determine mass loadings. Furthermore, the resin showed an overall capacity of 11 mg/mL for a mixed metal matrix (Zr and La–Gd). Column experiments showed chromatographic separation with transition-metal breakthroughs occurring first followed by the lanthanide series La–Gd. The experiments showed that lanthanide breakthrough occurred after 11 mg/mL mass loading was reached on the column with the mixed metal matrix. A radiological column experiment with an in-line UV/vis cell was able to detect Nd breakthrough just prior to 241 Am breakthrough. Implementing an in-line UV/vis cell into full-scale Mark-18A target processing will be used to limit breakthrough of trivalent actinides recovered from the targets.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Back-to-back dijet production in DIS at arbitrary Bjorken x: TMD gluon distributions to twist-3 accuracy

We derive the gluon transverse-momentum-dependent (TMD) operator structure of back-to-back\\\\r\\\\nquark–antiquark dijet production in deep inelastic scattering at arbitrary Bjorken-x to twist-3 ac\\\\r\\\\ncuracy. Working at leading order in the strong coupling and in the kinematic regime where the\\\\r\\\\ntransverse momentum imbalance of the jets is much smaller than their individual transverse mo\\\\r\\\\nmenta, we perform a systematic gradient expansion of the quark propagator in a background gluon\\\\r\\\\nfield. This expansion organizes multiple interactions with the target in terms of longitudinal Wilson\\\\r\\\\nlines and gauge-invariant field-strength insertions, yielding a TMD description valid beyond the\\\\r\\\\nstrict high-energy eikonal (x → 0) approximation. We obtain explicit cross sections for longitudi\\\\r\\\\nnally and transversely polarized virtual photons, identifying all contributing gluon TMD operators\\\\r\\\\nup to twist-3, including structures involving F+−, Fij, and three-gluon correlators. The full lon\\\\r\\\\ngitudinal phase eixP+z− associated with Bjorken-x is retained throughout. In the small-x limit,\\\\r\\\\nour results reproduce the known sub-eikonal expressions obtained in the Color Glass Condensate\\\\r\\\\nframework, establishing a direct connection between the general-x TMD expansion and high-energy\\\\r\\\\nfactorization. We further reduce the operator basis using equations of motion, minimizing the num\\\\r\\\\nber of independent nonperturbative matrix elements entering the cross section. This work provides\\\\r\\\\na systematic foundation for extending TMD analyses of dijet production beyond leading twist, es\\\\r\\\\ntablishing a unified operator framework valid at arbitrary Bjorken-x that smoothly interpolates\\\\r\\\\nbetween moderate- and small-x descriptions of gluon TMDs.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Sister Rod Destructive Examinations (FY23): Appendix J: Leaching of High Burnup Used Nuclear Fuel in Deionized Water

The leaching experiment aims to understand the trends in the radiolysis-enhanced dissolution of HBU SNF when exposed to water (e.g., in-reactor or in-pool cladding failures). Specimens from a baseline M5-clad rod and a heat-treated M5 rod were cut from the fractured CIRFT specimens and placed in 100 mL deionized water for a period of 128 days. Both radial and axial sections were cut to provide different surface areas of fuel in contact with the leachate. During the four-month exposure period, aliquot samples of the leachate were analyzed using gamma spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis quantified the amount of fuel leached into the solutions and provided individual isotopic release fractions (of 30+ isotopes) which were compared as a function of time and surface area of the fuel exposed. Consistent with existing literature, the leaching followed a trend in which isotopes of certain elements such as Cs and Mo were among the first species in the matrix to dissolve, and with the highest release rates. This was followed by a gradual matrix dissolution consisting of uranium and other actinides and a slower-than-matrix release from some isotopes, including Ru and Rh. It was also observed that the circumferential samples having less exposed fuel surface area (to begin with) leached more than the axial samples for a majority of the isotopes during the timespan of the study. Previous experiments were conducted by decladding or exposing the pellet-clad surface completely, but the samples used in this study retained the cladding. One possible explanation for the higher leaching rate of the circumferential samples is that the pellet-clad interface, which has a greater density of grain boundaries and defects, may be the most vulnerable area to leaching of fuel in the presence of water.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Spectroscopic quadrupole moments in 124 $\mathrm{Xe}$

The Xe isotopic chain with four valence protons above the Z=50 shell closure is an ideal laboratory for the study of the evolution of nuclear deformation. At the N=82 shell closure, 136 Xe presents all characteristics of a doubly closed shell nucleus with a spherical shape. In the very neutron-deficient isotopes close to N=50, the α-decay chain of Xe was investigated to probe the radioactive decay properties near the drip-line and the magicity of 100 Sn. Additionally, the Xe isotopes present higher order symmetries in the nuclear deformation such as the octupole degree of freedom near N=60 and N=90 or O(6) symmetry in stable isotopes. The relevance of the O(6) symmetry has been investigated by measuring the spectroscopic quadrupole moment of the first excited states in 124 Xe. In the O(6) symmetry limit, the spectroscopic quadrupole moment of collective states is expected to be null. A stable 124 Xe beam with energies of 4.03A MeV and 4.11 A MeV was used to bombard a nat W target at the GANIL facility. Excited states were populated via the safe Coulomb excitation reaction. The collision of the heavy ions with a large Z at low energy make this reaction sensitive to the diagonal E2 matrix element of the excited states. The recoils were detected in the VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer and the γ rays in the AGATA tracking array. The least squares fitting code gosia was used for the analysis to extract both E2 and M1 transitional and E2 diagonal matrix elements. The rotational ground state band was populated up to the 8$^{+}_{1}$ state as well as the 2$^{+}_{2}$ and 4$^{+}_{2}$ states. Using high precision spectroscopic data to constrain the gosia fit, the spectroscopic quadrupole moments of the 2$^{+}_{1}$, 4$^{+}_{1}$, and 6$^{+}_{1}$ states were determined for the first time. The spectroscopic quadrupole moments were found to be negative, large, and constant in the ground state band underlining the prolate axially deformed ground state band of 124 Xe. Here, the present experimental data confirm that the O(6) symmetry is substantially broken in 124 Xe .

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Scattering using real-time path integrals

Background: Path integrals are a powerful tool for solving problems in quantum theory that are not amenable to a treatment by perturbation theory. Most path integral computations require an analytic continuation to imaginary time. While imaginary time treatments of scattering are possible, imaginary time is not a natural framework for treating scattering problems. More importantly, quantum algorithms for calculating path integrals require real-time evolution. Purpose: Here, we test a recently introduced method for performing direct calculations of scattering observables using real-time path integrals in order to understand the challenges facing real-time path integral calculations of scattering observables. Method: The computations are based on a new interpretation of the path integral as the expectation value of a potential functional on cylinder sets of continuous paths with respect to a complex probability distribution. The method can in principle be applied to arbitrary short-range potentials. Results: The method is applied to compute matrix elements of Møller wave operators applied to narrow wave packets. These are used to calculate half-shell sharp-momentum transition matrix elements for one-dimensional potential scattering. The calculations for half-shell transition operator matrix elements converge to the numerical solution of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation. Conclusions: This work presents a proof in principle that scattering observables can be computed using real-time Feynman path integrals. While the computational method is not efficient, it can be improved. It provides a laboratory for studying quantum computational algorithms that are applicable to scattering problems.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Eigenstate thermalization in ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional SU(2) lattice gauge theory

We present preliminary numerical evidence for the hypothesis that the Hamiltonian SU(2) gauge theory discretized on a lattice obeys the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH). To do so we study three approximations: (a) a linear plaquette chain in a reduced Hilbert space limiting the electric field basis to j = 0 , 1 2 , (b) a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice with periodic or closed boundary condition and the same Hilbert space constraint, and (c) a chain of only three plaquettes but such a sufficiently large electric field Hilbert space ( j ≤ 7 2 ) that convergence of all energy eigenvalues in the analyzed energy window is observed. While an unconstrained Hilbert space is required to reach the continuum limit of SU(2) gauge theory, numerical resource constraints do not permit us to realize this requirement for all values of the coupling constant and large lattices. In each of the three studied cases we check first for random matrix theory (RMT) behavior in the eigenenergy spectrum and then analyze the diagonal as well as the off-diagonal matrix elements between energy eigenstates for a few operators. Within current uncertainties all results for (a), (b) and (c) agree with ETH predictions. Furthermore, we find the off-diagonal matrix elements of the electric energy operator exhibit RMT behavior in frequency windows that are small enough in (b) and (c). To unambiguously establish ETH behavior and determine for which class of operators it applies, an extension of our investigations is necessary. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

16 O ⁡(𝑒,𝑒′⁢𝛼)⁢ 12 C measurements and the 12 C ⁡(𝛼,𝛾)⁢ 16 O astrophysical reaction rate

The 12 C ⁡(𝛼,𝛾)⁢ 16 O reaction, an important component of stellar helium burning, has a key role in nuclear astrophysics. It has significant impact on the evolution and final state of heavy to low mass stars, maximum mass of stellar formed black holes and also shapes the elemental abundances resulting from nucleosynthesis in such stars. Providing a reliable estimate for the energy dependence of this reaction at stellar helium burning temperatures has been a longstanding and important goal. In this work, we study the role of potential new 𝐸⁢1 and 𝐸⁢2 measurements of the 16 O ⁡(𝑒,𝑒′⁢𝛼)⁢ 12 C reaction in reducing the overall uncertainty in the astrophysical 𝑆 factor for the 12 C ⁡(𝛼,𝛾)⁢ 16 O 𝐸⁢1 and 𝐸⁢2 ground state capture extrapolated to a stellar energy of 300 keV. A multilevel 𝑅-matrix analysis is used to make extrapolations of the 𝑆 𝐸⁢1 (300 keV) and 𝑆 𝐸⁢2 (300 keV) factors for the 12 C ⁡(𝛼,𝛾)⁢ 16 O reaction from existing ground state capture data. Bayesian analysis is used to quantify the uncertainties in the extrapolations for both the existing data alone and also when possible new experimental data are included. In particular, we consider a new experiment that would make use of a high-intensity low-energy electron beam that impinges on a windowless oxygen gas target as a means to determine the total 𝐸⁢1 and 𝐸⁢2 ground state cross sections for this reaction. Here we find that the new data could significantly reduce the 𝑆⁡(300) uncertainties. Splitting the new data into high and low energy regions shows that both low and high energy data are effective in reducing the uncertainty.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Analog-antianalog isospin mixing in 47 K 𝛽−decay

Here, we have measured the isospin mixing of the 𝐼 𝜋 =1/2 + , 𝐸 𝑥 = 2.599 MeV state in nearly doubly magic 47 Ca with the isobaric analog 1/2 + state of 47 K . Using the TRIUMF atom trap for 𝛽 decay, we have measured a nonzero asymmetry of the progeny 47 Ca with respect to the initial 47 K spin polarization, which together with the 𝛽 asymmetry implies a nonzero ratio of Fermi to Gamow-Teller matrix elements 𝑦 = 0.098 ± 0.037 for the 1/2 + → 1/2 + transition. Interpreting 𝑦 as mixing between this state and the isobaric analog state implies a Coulomb matrix element magnitude 101 ± 37 keV. This relatively large matrix element supports a model from the literature of analog-antianalog isospin mixing, which predicts large matrix elements in cases involving excess neutrons over protons occupying more than one major shell. The result supports pursuing a search for time-reversal odd, parity-even, isovector interactions using a correlation in 47 K 𝛽 decay.

beta decay↗
DOE OSTI2024

Status of SAS4A/SASSYS-1 Software Development and Application (FY2024)

SAS4A/SASSYS-1 is a simulation tool used to perform deterministic analysis of anticipated events as well as design basis and beyond design basis accidents for advanced liquid-metal-cooled nuclear reactors. With its origin as SAS1A in the late 1960s, the SAS series of codes has been under continuous use and development for over fifty years. It has been identified as a critical element of safety analysis capabilities for the U.S. Department of Energy and is utilized within industry to perform the transient safety analyses required to support the licensing of Liquid Metal-cooled Fast Reactors (LMFRs). This report summarizes the code development and update activities carried out during FY2024. In FY2024, programmatic activities focused on key improvements to software useability, such as enhanced user interfaces for reactivity feedback modeling, improvements in stability/useability of the Code Manual, and improvements to the acceptance testing infrastructure, including automation of acceptance testing and generation of the Acceptance Testing Report. To support end user applications, an open training was held, a semi-public forum was maintained, and a practical benchmarking and validation matrix was developed which allowed limitations of existing testing capabilities to be assessed. The existing fuel models were also enhanced with improved modeling capabilities and testing for the oxide and annular fuel models.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nanoprecipitates to Enhance Radiation Tolerance in High-Entropy Alloys

The growth of advanced energy technologies for power generation is enabled by the design, development, and integration of structural materials that can withstand extreme environments, such as high temperatures, radiation damage, and corrosion. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a class of structural materials in which suitable chemical elements in four or more numbers are mixed to typically produce single-phase concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs). Many of these alloys exhibit good radiation tolerance like limited void swelling and hardening up to relatively medium radiation doses (tens of displacements per atom (dpa)); however, at higher radiation damage levels (>50 dpa), some HEAs suffer from considerable void swelling limiting their near-term acceptance for advanced nuclear reactor concepts. In this study, we developed a HEA containing a high density of Cu-rich nanoprecipitates distributed in the HEA matrix. The Cu-added HEA, NiCoFeCrCu 0.12 , shows excellent void swelling resistance and negligible radiation-induced hardening upon irradiation up to high radiation doses (i.e., higher than 100 dpa). The void swelling resistance of the alloy is measured to be significantly better than NiCoFeCr CSA and austenitic stainless steels. Density functional theory simulations predict lower vacancy and interstitial formation energies at the coherent interfaces between Cu-rich nanoprecipitates and the HEA matrix. The alloy maintained a high sink strength achieved via nanoprecipitates and the coherent interface with the matrix at a high radiation dose (~50 dpa). From our experiments and simulations, the effective recombination of radiation-produced vacancies and interstitials at the coherent interfaces of the nanoprecipitates is suggested to be the critical mechanism responsible for the radiation tolerance of the alloy. Furthermore, the materials design strategy based on incorporating a high density of interfaces can be applied to high-entropy alloy systems to improve their radiation tolerance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Trace Elemental Analysis of Bulk Thorium Using an Automated Separation–Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy Methodology

Presented here is a novel automated method for determining the trace element composition of bulk thorium by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). ICP-OES is a universal approach for measuring the trace elemental impurities present in actinide-rich materials; however, due to the emission rich spectrum of the actinide, a separation from the trace elements is warranted for spectrochemical analysis. Here, AG MP-1 ion exchange resin was utilized for retention of the Th matrix, while allowing the trace element impurities to be separated prior to subsequent analysis using ICP-OES. After demonstrating the separation on traditional gravity-driven columns, the methodology was transitioned to an automated platform for comparison. This automated platform utilizes syringe-driven sample and solvent flow and can collect the trace element and thorium fractions in separate locations. Finally, while reducing the sample size (500 µL, 1.5 mg of Th), maintaining the overall separation efficiency (recoveries >95%), and illustrating the sample throughput ability (n = 10+), this automated methodology could be readily adopted to nuclear facilities in which the determination of trace elemental impurities in Th samples is warranted.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Three-colour digital holographic microscopy based on a Mach – Zender interferometer and a solid-state RGB laser

We have developed a facility for recording colour digital holograms involving a Mach – Zender interferometer and a pulsed solid-state RGB laser, which radiates simultaneously at three wavelengths: 451, 532, and 634 nm. These wavelengths are obtained in the conversion of the radiation of a pulsed Nd{sup 3+} : YAG laser (1064 nm), which operates in the regime of intracavity parametric oscillation at a wavelength of 1570 nm, with the subsequent conversion of its frequencies to the red, green, and blue spectral regions in nonlinear KTP-crystal elements. The combination of this three-wavelength pulsed light source with the Mach – Zender interferometer provides the simultaneous recording of three spectral digital holograms with one matrix RGB radiation detector. Pulsed three-colour digital holography shows promise for the analysis of fast processes and rapidly varying colour phase objects. (paper)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗