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Forensic signatures from laser isotope separation

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Abstract

This work introduces an analysis of the Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) process to assist regulatory agencies in detecting and inspecting uranium AVLIS facilities. Operating parameters of a theoretical AVLIS device are calculated based on product and tails assays. Further analysis shows a direct relationship between feed assays of minor isotopes and product assays, allowing inspectors to confirm the method of a sample’s enrichment and identify the feedstock origin due to natural variations in 234U assay. The decay of 234U into 230Th is used to estimate the time of last enrichment and increase the accuracy of feed assay calculations.

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Acknowledgements

The Consortium for Monitoring, Technology, and Verification would like to thank the NNSA and DOE for the continued support of these research activities. This work was funded by the Consortium for Monitoring, Technology, and Verification under Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration award number DE-NA0003920.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear and Radiological Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 State St NW, 30313, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Henry S. Burns & Steven R. Biegalski

  2. Nuclear and Radiological Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 State St NW, 30313, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Henry S. Burns & Steven R. Biegalski

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  1. Henry S. Burns
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  2. Steven R. Biegalski
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Correspondence to Henry S. Burns.

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Burns, H.S., Biegalski, S.R. Forensic signatures from laser isotope separation. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 4947–4952 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08516-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08516-6

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