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An interlaboratory collaboration to determine consensus 231Pa/235U model ages of a uranium certified reference material for nuclear forensics

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Abstract

Application of the 231Pa/235U radiochronometer for nuclear forensic investigations is challenged by a lack of certified reference materials with 231Pa/235U model purification dates. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory completed an interlaboratory study measuring 231Pa/235U model ages of New Brunswick Laboratory CRM U100. Results from independent laboratories were combined to calculate a consensus 231Pa/235U model purification date for CRM U100 of March 26, 1959 ± 237 days. This 231Pa/235U consensus date for CRM U100 may be used by the nuclear forensic community for quality control of 231Pa/235U radiochronometry measurements of unknown materials.

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Funding

Funding was provided by U.S. Department of Energy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, 87545, USA

    Theresa M. Kayzar-Boggs, Joanna S. Denton, Robert E. Steiner & Allison M. Wende

  2. Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94551, USA

    Kerri C. Treinen, Amy M. Gaffney, Martha M. Miller & Ross W. Williams

  3. Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 3191195, Japan

    Ayako Okubo

  4. University of Rochester, 500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd., Rochester, 14627, USA

    Martha M. Miller

Authors
  1. Theresa M. Kayzar-Boggs
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  2. Kerri C. Treinen
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  3. Ayako Okubo
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  4. Joanna S. Denton
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  5. Amy M. Gaffney
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  6. Martha M. Miller
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  7. Robert E. Steiner
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  8. Allison M. Wende
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  9. Ross W. Williams
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Correspondence to Theresa M. Kayzar-Boggs.

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Kayzar-Boggs, T.M., Treinen, K.C., Okubo, A. et al. An interlaboratory collaboration to determine consensus 231Pa/235U model ages of a uranium certified reference material for nuclear forensics. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 323, 1189–1195 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-020-07030-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-020-07030-x

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