Validation studies on quick and in-situ analysis of MOX fuel by combination of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and ablation resonance absorption spectroscopy

Wakaida, Ikuo  ; Akaoka, Katsuaki ; Miyabe, Masabumi   ; Kato, Masaaki; Otobe, Haruyoshi  ; Oba, Hironori  ; Khumaeni, A.

In Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), research and development of quick analysis for next-generation MOX fuel without chemical analysis and neutron measurement had been carried out as the entrusted project by MEXT, and basic performances by using un-irradiated MOX fuel were demonstrated. In elemental analysis by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) with high resolution spectrometer, relative error of 2.9% at 30% Pu and the detection lower limit of 2,500 ppm in U oxide were demonstrated with the operation time of 5 min.. In isotope ratio analysis by Ablation Resonance Absorption Spectroscopy, tunable semiconductor laser system was constructed, and the relative deviation less than 1% in the ratio of Pu/Pu and sensitivity of 30-100 ppm in U were also accomplished within 5min. operation. As for an analysis in liquid sample, ultra-thin laminate flow was experimented as LIBS target, and the sensitivity comparable to conventional ICP-AES was confirmed.