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Rapid analysis of 89Sr and 90Sr in nuclear forensics samples

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Abstract

89Sr and 90Sr are important fission products. Their measurement is of interest for a number of reasons, including nuclear forensic scenarios. A rapid method has been developed for the analysis of 89Sr and 90Sr by a combination of Cerenkov and liquid scintillation counting; results can be available with 3–4 days. There is no strict time requirement for the Cerenkov counting and no additional step to separate 90Y after ingrowth. Counting efficiencies are determined using certified 89Sr and 90Sr (in equilibrium with 90Y) solutions without the need of 90Sr/90Y separation. The method has been validated using inter-laboratory comparison samples.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for providing their results to allow comparison.

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  1. AWE plc, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PR, UK

    J. Jiang, A. Davies, K. Thorne & C. Gilligan

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  1. J. Jiang
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  2. A. Davies
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  3. K. Thorne
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  4. C. Gilligan
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Correspondence to J. Jiang.

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Jiang, J., Davies, A., Thorne, K. et al. Rapid analysis of 89Sr and 90Sr in nuclear forensics samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 311, 1417–1425 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-016-5095-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-016-5095-8

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