Development of laser analysis for nuclear fuel management

Wakaida, Ikuo  ; Akaoka, Katsuaki ; Miyabe, Masabumi   ; Khumaeni, A.; Oba, Hironori  ; Ito, Chikara   

In the new concept of next generation nuclear fuel cycle for long lived radioactive waste disposal by use of Accelerator Driven Subcritical reactor (ADS Cycle) and by a fast breeder reactor (FBR Cycle), utilization of low-decontaminated fuel with TRU will be promoted. Simultaneous analysis of element and isotope by the combination of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Ablation Resonance Absorption Spectroscopy was demonstrated by MOX fuel. For elemental analysis, detection lower limit of 1000 ppm of Pu in U oxide and relative error under 5% have been obtained within 5 min. For isotope analysis, Pu and Pu have been observed separately, and detection lower limit of several 10 ppm and error under 1% have been accomplished. A simple antenna coupled microwave assisted LIBS was performed and the enhancement of emission intensity of several 10 times was demonstrated. For liquid sample, ultra-thin laminate flow as the laser focused target was accomplished high sensitivity of ppb. For in-situ monitoring, Optical Fiber LIBS Probe by radiation resistant optical fiber is under construction.