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Nuclear Sample Provenance and Age Determination Using Ruthenium Isotopes.

Susan K Hanson¹, Matthew E Sanborn¹, Holly R Trellue

¹Nuclear and Radiochemistry and ‡Systems Design and Analysis Groups, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States.

Analytical Chemistry

|February 14, 2022

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Ruthenium isotope measurements reveal fissiogenic origins in 106Ru standards, differentiating production histories and ages. This technique aids nuclear treaty monitoring by detailing sample provenance and irradiation details.

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Area of Science:

Nuclear Chemistry
Radiochemistry
Isotope Geochemistry

Background:

Ruthenium isotopic composition in nuclear samples can indicate production methods, irradiation history, and age.
Investigating ruthenium isotopes in a 106Ru standard eliminates environmental mixing complexities.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the feasibility of using ruthenium isotope measurements to determine the origin and history of nuclear materials.
To analyze the ruthenium isotopic composition of 106Ru radioactivity standards.

Main Methods:

Measurement of ruthenium isotope composition in 106Ru standards.
Comparison of isotopic data with nuclear reactor simulations.
Application of radiochronometry using 106Ru and its 106Pd daughter.

Main Results:

Stable ruthenium isotopic compositions consistent with fissiogenic ruthenium were observed.
Lot 1 106Ru standard showed a different isotopic composition than lots 2 and 3, indicating longer irradiation.
Radiochronometry determined Lot 1 to be older than lots 2 and 3.
Nuclear reactor simulations suggested production from low-enriched uranium in a light water reactor.

Conclusions:

Ruthenium isotope analysis is a powerful tool for discerning the origin and history of nuclear materials.
Findings have implications for nuclear treaty monitoring and understanding sample provenance.
The study demonstrates the utility of isotopic analysis in characterizing nuclear materials.