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Uranium age-dating using in-situ isotope ratios by thermal ionization mass spectrometry for nuclear forensics

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Abstract

The model dates of two enriched uranium materials were determined using a new method for nuclear forensics investigation. In this method, without spike addition, the 230Th/234U ratio was calculated from the measured ratios of 230Th/234Th and 234U/238U and from calculated 234Th/238U ratio in secular equilibrium. The model date obtained for the low-enriched uranium material was in agreement with the known production date. For the highly enriched uranium material, a more recent model date than the known production date was obtained. The 234U interference on 234Th counting in thermal ionization mass spectrometer measurement was suspected as a potential cause.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Zsolt Varga (EC JRC, Karlsruhe) for his constructive comment on this study. Thoughtful review by an anonymous reviewer improved this manuscript. This study was financially supported by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technology Development Promotion Office, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Shirakata 2-4, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan

    Ayako Okubo & Nobuo Shinohara

  2. Safeguards Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Shirakata 2-4, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan

    Masaaki Magara

Authors
  1. Ayako Okubo
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  2. Nobuo Shinohara
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  3. Masaaki Magara
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Correspondence to Ayako Okubo.

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Okubo, A., Shinohara, N. & Magara, M. Uranium age-dating using in-situ isotope ratios by thermal ionization mass spectrometry for nuclear forensics. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 314, 231–234 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5379-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5379-7

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