Complete simultaneous analysis of uranium isotopes in NUSIMEP-7 microparticles using SEM-TIMS

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy combined with thermal ionization mass spectrometry (SEM-TIMS) was used to determine the precise isotope ratios of ultra-trace levels of uranium contained in individual microparticles. An advanced multiple ion counter system consisting of three secondary ion multipliers and two compact discrete dynodes was used for complete simultaneous ion detection. For verification purposes, using TIMS with complete simultaneous measurement, isotopes were analyzed in 5 pg of uranium of a certified reference material. A microprobe in the SEM was used to transfer individual particles from a NUSIMEP-7 sample to TIMS filaments, which were then subjected to SEM-TIMS and complete simultaneous measurement. The excellent agreement in the resulting uranium isotope ratios with the certified NUSIMEP-7 values shows the validity of SEM-TIMS with complete simultaneous measurement for the analysis of uranium isotopes in individual particles. Further experimental study required for investigation of simultaneous measurement using the advanced multiple ion counter system is presented.