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Effect of weighing uncertainty on assay values by isotope dilution mass spectrometry

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Abstract

Isotope dilution mass spectrometry using traceable standards as spikes coupled with isotope ratio measurements by thermal ionization or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer instruments is the preferred methodology for element content determinations and isotopic composition measurements in a variety of applications, especially those involving highly radioactive isotopes like the actinide elements. This assay measurement technique takes advantage of the sensitivity of modern mass spectrometry instrumentation to minimize the amount of material utilized for the measurement and enables the measurement sequence to be automated, with minimal intervention from analyst during the measurement process. LA-UR-20-28878.

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Acknowledgements

Christine is thankful to Dr. Vinai K Rai from School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University for hosting her during the summer of 2019 and for exposing her to the state-of-the-art ICP mass spectrometry measurement techniques and to the scientific methodology.

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Author notes

  1. Christine E. Mathew

    Present address: Los Alamos High School, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Earth and Space Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA

    Christine E. Mathew & Vinai K. Rai

  2. Actinide Analytical Chemistry, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA

    Chelsea Ottenfeld & Russ Keller

Authors
  1. Christine E. Mathew
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  2. Vinai K. Rai
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  3. Chelsea Ottenfeld
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  4. Russ Keller
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Correspondence to Christine E. Mathew.

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Mathew, C.E., Rai, V.K., Ottenfeld, C. et al. Effect of weighing uncertainty on assay values by isotope dilution mass spectrometry. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 328, 235–243 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-021-07646-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-021-07646-7

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