Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025

In Situ Detection and Single Cell Quantification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nuclear Microprobe Analysis
Published on: February 3, 2018
Isotopic and Compositional Variations in Single Nuclear Fuel Pellet Particles Analyzed by Nanoscale Secondary Ion
Connaugh M Fallon1,1, William R Bower1,2, Ian C Lyon1,1
1Centre for Radiochemistry Research, Department of Chemistry, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Photon Science Institute, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
Nuclear forensics professionals used NanoSIMS to analyze uranium fuel particles from the 5th Collaborative Materials Exercise. Results revealed significant micrometer-scale variations in uranium isotopic composition within individual particles, impacting forensic investigations.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Forensics
- Materials Science
- Isotope Geochemistry
Background:
- The Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group (NTWG) organizes the Collaborative Materials Exercise (CMX) to enhance analytical capabilities.
- The CMX aims to refine nuclear forensic investigation methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze inhomogeneities in uranium isotopic ratios (235U/238U) and trace element abundance within micrometer-scale particles from model nuclear fuel materials.
- To evaluate the application of NanoSIMS 50L for high-resolution imaging in nuclear forensics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two distinct nuclear fuel pellets (CMX-5A and CMX-5B) using a NanoSIMS 50L instrument.
- Isolation and isotopic/trace element analysis of individual micrometer-scale particles from the fuel pellets.
Main Results:
- Both CMX-5A and CMX-5B particles exhibited sub-micrometer scale inhomogeneities in uranium isotopic composition.
- CMX-5A particles showed greater isotopic homogeneity (mean 235U/238U atom ratio of 0.0130 ± 0.0066).
- CMX-5B particles displayed a depleted mean 235U/238U atom ratio (0.0063 ± 0.0094), deviating significantly from the target enrichment.
Conclusions:
- NanoSIMS 50L is effective for high-resolution uranium isotopic analysis in nuclear forensics.
- Micrometer-scale variations in 235U/238U ratios within fuel pellets are significant and must be considered in forensic investigations.
More Related Videos
07:54Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry Approaches for Characterization of the Protein and Metabolite Corona Acquired by Nanomaterials
Published on: October 27, 2020
07:103D Depth Profile Reconstruction of Segregated Impurities Using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 29, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Mass Spectrometry: Isotope Effect
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Interferences
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview