Precise age determination of a single plutonium particle using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer

Miyamoto, Yutaka   ; Esaka, Fumitaka  ; Suzuki, Daisuke   ; Magara, Masaaki  

Age-dating of single plutonium particles with diameters of 1 m was demonstrated using eight particles. The precision and accuracy of the Pu age were improved through the addition of an Am spike to the sample solutions and by the trace chemical separation of the Pu and Am. The determined age in this work was in good agreement with the expected age with high accuracy and precision. The age with this technique was more precise than that determined using the common technique without an Am spike.