Microwave-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and its applications to nuclear material analysis

マイクロ波支援レーザー誘起ブレークダウン発光分光とその核燃料物質分析への応用

Khumaeni, A.; 若井田 育夫  

Khumaeni, A.; Wakaida, Ikuo

Application of LIBS to analysis of nuclear materials requires a higher resolution spectrometer in order to identify each emission lines separately. Such a spectrometer is less sensitive and thus requires a more intense source of emission. To enhance the emission signal, we offer a novel method by using microwave-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (MA-LIBS). In this study, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser was focused on a material target by using a lens to induce a target plasma, and the pulsed microwave (MW) generated by a magnetron was then supplied to the plasma through a loop antenna. The emission characteristics of atom are compared in MA-LIBS and conventional LIBS. For practical application, a gadolinium oxide (GdO) pellet which had complex spectra as a nuclear material, was used as a simulated fuel sample. The emission spectrum of GdO taken by using MA-LIBS and standard LIBS was compared observed and extremely enhancement in intensified MW was introduced. Total emission intensity increased by approximately 35 times. By using the method, identification of trace elements in the GdO sample can be made. The detection limit of Ca in the GdO sample using the MA-LIBS method is approximately 2 mg/kg, while for the standard LIBS case are approximately 48 mg/kg.