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High efficiency laser resonance ionization of plutonium.
Alfredo Galindo-Uribarri1,2, Yuan Liu3,4, Elisa Romero Romero5,6,7
1Physics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA. uribarri@ornl.gov.
Scientific Reports
|December 7, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a new laser ionization method for ultra-trace plutonium analysis. This improved technique significantly enhances the efficiency of detecting plutonium isotopes using resonance ionization mass spectrometry.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Laser Spectroscopy
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Ultra-trace analysis of plutonium (Pu) isotopes is crucial for nuclear safeguards and environmental monitoring.
- Existing resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) techniques require highly efficient ionization schemes for Pu.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop efficient laser ionization schemes for ultra-trace plutonium analysis using resonance ionization mass spectrometry.
- To investigate the photoionization spectra of plutonium and identify suitable intermediate excited states.
Main Methods:
- Three-step resonance photoionization spectroscopy was performed using Ti:Sapphire lasers.
- Spectra of even-parity and odd-parity excited states were measured in specific energy ranges.
- Three-color, three-photon ionization schemes were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Eighteen even-parity intermediate excited states were observed, thirteen of which are newly documented.
- Numerous high-lying odd-parity excited states and autoionizing states were identified.
- A highly efficient three-step ionization scheme was developed, achieving an ionization efficiency [Formula: see text].
Conclusions:
- The developed three-step ionization scheme represents an order of magnitude improvement in ionization efficiency for plutonium.
- This advancement enables more sensitive and efficient ultra-trace analysis of plutonium isotopes by RIMS.
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