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An optimized methodology for the determination of the uranium chemical phases in micro-particles by Raman spectrometry within a scanning electron microscope

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Abstract

We have developed a methodology based on micro-Raman spectrometry performed inside a SEM/EDS for the chemical phase analysis of uranium particles sampled with sticky carbon tapes. We demonstrate that the electronic scanning increases the Raman background of the carbon tapes and decreases the Raman intensities of uranium oxides. Moreover, the most oxidized compounds are reduced into UO2 when the laser power is too intense. Therefore, uranium particles should be localized with the briefest possible electronic scanning, laser power must be limited, and high-resolution imaging and elemental analysis by EDS of uranium particles must be performed after the in-SEM Raman analysis.

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Acknowledgements

To the memory of Maxim Penkin from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who constantly gave warm support for this work and passed away too soon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297, Arpajon, France

    Fabien Pointurier & Olivier Marie

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  1. Fabien Pointurier
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  2. Olivier Marie
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FP: conceptualization, methodology, formal analysis, investigation, writing. OM: methodology. 

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Correspondence to Fabien Pointurier.

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Pointurier, F., Marie, O. An optimized methodology for the determination of the uranium chemical phases in micro-particles by Raman spectrometry within a scanning electron microscope. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 332, 2841–2850 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08712-4

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