X ray spectroscopy on atoms (J-PARC E03, E07 and future)

Yamamoto, Takeshi; Fujita, Manami; Gogami, Toshiyuki*; Harada, Takeshi*; Hayakawa, Shuhei*; Hosomi, Kenji; Ichikawa, Yudai; Ishikawa, Yuji*; Kamata, K.*; Kanauchi, H.*; et al.

EPJ Web of Conferences, 271, p.03001_1 - 03001_5, 2022/11

https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202227103001

Radiation dose rate effects on the properties of a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system developed using a ceramics micro-laser for fiber-optic remote analysis

Tamura, Koji; Oba, Hironori; Saeki, Morihisa; Taguchi, Tomitsugu*; Lim, H. H.*; Taira, Takunori*; Wakaida, Ikuo

Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 58(4), p.405 - 415, 2021/04

https://doi.org/10.1080/00223131.2020.1854880

Radiation dose rate effects on the properties of a compact fiber-optic laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system with a monolithic Nd:YAG/Cr:YAG composite ceramics were investigated for remote analysis in hazardous environment. To investigate radiation effects on the LIBS signal, properties related to the Nd:YAG laser operation such as oscillation threshold, output energy, oscillation timing, temporal pulse shape, and beam profile were measured as a function of the radiation dose rate from 0 to 10 kGy/hr in view of their influences to the signal. LIBS spectra of zirconium metal were measured under irradiation. Although signal intensity decreased considerably by irradiation, informative spectra were well obtained even at the maximum radiation dose rate. From the comparison of the LIBS-related parameters among the laser properties, signal reduction was mainly ascribed to the pulse energy reduction. Scintillation emission spectra were also measured from the ceramics during the irradiation, where the signal intensity increased linearly with the dose rate. The results show that the developed system.

Development of laser cutting technology of thick steel plates for nuclear facilities

Tamura, Koji*; Toyama, Shinichi

Nihon Genshiryoku Gakkai-Shi ATOMO, 62(5), p.268 - 271, 2020/05

The laser cutting technology is expected to be a promising candidate for the decommissioning measure of nuclear facilities, because it has a lot of advantage such as its high controllability and excellent suitability to remote handling by robot arm, etcetera. This report describes the recent result from laser cutting technology development for thick steel materials summarizing the cutting demonstration of 300 mm thick steels and dummy pressure vessel, the analysis of cutting condition of thick steel cutting, the observation of cutting process, remote controlled cutting system, the cutting in pile of steels by the system, and countermeasure for fume produce by cutting process.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and related resonance spectroscopy for nuclear fuel cycle management and for decommissioning of "Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station"

Wakaida, Ikuo; Oba, Hironori; Miyabe, Masabumi; Akaoka, Katsuaki; Oba, Masaki; Tamura, Koji; Saeki, Morihisa

Kogaku, 48(1), p.13 - 20, 2019/01

By Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and by related resonance spectroscopy, elemental and isotope analysis of Uranium and Plutonium for nuclear fuel materials and in-situ remote analysis under strong radiation condition for melt downed nuclear fuel debris at damaged core in "Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station", are introduced and performed as one of the application in atomic energy research field.

Thermal constraints on clay growth in fault gouge and their relationship with fault-zone evolution and hydrothermal alteration; Case study of gouges in the Kojaku Granite, Central Japan

Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Koji; Tamura, Hajimu*; Shibata, Kenji*; Sueoka, Shigeru; Yasue, Kenichi; Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Umeda, Koji*

Clays and Clay Minerals, 64(2), p.86 - 107, 2016/04

https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.2016.0640202

no abstracts in English

Research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste; Scientific programme for fiscal years 2015-2021

Umeda, Koji; Yasue, Kenichi; Kokubu, Yoko; Niwa, Masakazu; Asamori, Koichi; Fujita, Natsuko; Shimizu, Mayuko; Shimada, Akiomi; Matsubara, Akihiro; Tamura, Hajimu; et al.

JAEA-Review 2015-012, 43 Pages, 2015/08

JAEA-Review-2015-012.pdf:1.24MB

The concept of geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in Japan is based on a multibarrier system which combines a stable geological environment with an engineered barrier system. Potential geological host formations and their surroundings are chosen, in particular, for their long-term stability, taking into account the fact that Japan is located in tectonically active zone. This report is to outline 7 years plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) of research and development (R&D) for geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the HLW in JAEA. Background of this research is clarified with the necessity and the significance, and the past progress in this report. The objectives, outline, contents and schedule during the next 7 years are described in detail. In addition, the plan framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and Systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques.

Cesium (Cs) particle formation based on a laser photochemical reaction with a self-injection-seeded Ti:sapphire laser for Cs isotope separation

Tamura, Koji; Ozawa, Masaki*

Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 52(6), p.872 - 877, 2015/06

https://doi.org/10.1080/00223131.2014.987184

We studied laser isotope separation of cesium (Cs) on the basis of a laser photochemical reaction and two-photon excitation scheme using a narrow line width Ti:sapphire laser to reduce long-term radioactive toxicity of a long-lived fission product. Using resonant laser irradiation to Cs atoms in hydrogen gas, we observed cesium hydride fine particles, and confirmed the formation by calculations using rate equations. Our results show that the process seems promising for efficient Cs isotope separation.

Annual report for research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste in fiscal years 2012

Yasue, Kenichi; Asamori, Koichi; Niwa, Masakazu; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Kokubu, Yoko; Sueoka, Shigeru; Makuuchi, Ayumu; Ikuta, Masafumi; Matsubara, Akihiro; Tamura, Hajimu; et al.

JAEA-Research 2013-047, 109 Pages, 2014/03

JAEA-Research-2013-047.pdf:6.81MB

This annual report documents the progress of R&D in the 3rd fiscal year during the JAEA 2nd Midterm Plan (FY 2010 - 2014) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planned framework is structured into the following categories: (1) development and systematization of investigation techniques for selecting suitable sites in geosphere stability, (2) development, application and verification of prediction models for evaluating the changes of geological environment in thermal, hydraulic, mechanical and geochemical conditions for a long period of time, and (3) development of new dating techniques for providing information about geologic history and the timing of geologic events. In this paper, the current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.

Simultaneous narrow linewidth and broadband operation in the master oscillator power amplifier of a self-seeded Ti:sapphire laser

Tamura, Koji

Optics & Laser Technology, 44(6), p.1818 - 1822, 2012/09

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2012.02.018

A narrow linewidth pulse and a broadband pulse were simultaneously operated in the master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) of a self-seeded Ti:sapphire laser, and their intensity ratio was varied by increasing the incident pump energy. It was explained that the broadband pulse from the independent free-running oscillation was preferentially amplified in the MOPA chain and replaced the narrow linewidth pulse. The explanation was confirmed by comparing the behavior with a bandpass filter inserted at the exit of the oscillator. The behaviors were well simulated by numerical calculations. From the results, a method to produce both narrow linewidth and broadband pulses was proposed with a ratio depending on the pump energy.

Isotope-selective photoionization of rubidium by pulsed self-seeded Ti:sapphire laser

Tamura, Koji

Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 48(4), p.046003_1 - 046003_4, 2009/04

https://doi.org/10.1143/JJAP.48.046003

In order to demonstrate the applicability of the developed self-seeded pulsed Ti:sapphire laser oscillator with a pair of diffraction gratings to the laser isotope separation, two-step photoionization of rubidium (Rb) using the oscillator output at 780 nm (Rb D line) and the UV laser (the third harmonics of the Nd:YAG laser) was measured. Ion signals correspond to Rb and Rb isotopes were selectively observed at the first excitation frequency corresponding to their resonance lines. The results shows that Rb atoms were selectively photoionized with high yields of selectivity, and that the developed laser geometry was useful for the laser isotope separation.