ROBL-II at ESRF: a synchrotron toolbox for actinide research

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Synchrotron Radiation

Background:

• Actinide and radionuclide research requires specialized facilities for safe and detailed analysis.
• Existing methods may have limitations in sample throughput, energy range, or detection limits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce ROBL-II, a new suite of experimental stations at the ESRF EBS storage ring.
• To enable advanced investigations of actinide and other alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides.
• To facilitate the combination of multiple techniques for comprehensive radioactive sample analysis.

Main Methods:

• X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy with high automation and low-temperature capabilities.
• X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES) utilizing high-energy resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD).
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) including powder, surface-sensitive (CTR, RAXR), single crystal, and tomography techniques.

Main Results:

• ROBL-II provides four distinct experimental stations covering an energy range of 3-35 keV.
• The XAFS station offers sub-p.p.m. detection limits and routine measurements down to 10 K.
• The XES station enables HERFD measurements for XANES, XES, and RIXS across various actinide edges.
• XRD stations support diverse diffraction and tomography experiments with high resolution and temporal capabilities.
• Integrated radioprotection features ensure safe sample handling and inter-station transfer.

Conclusions:

• ROBL-II significantly enhances the capability for studying radioactive materials.
• The facility allows for unprecedented, multi-technique characterization of actinides and radionuclides.
• This research infrastructure supports both fundamental and applied actinide and environmental research.