Pu/Pu isotope ratio analysis of uranium-plutonium mixed particles by alpha- and mass- spectrometry

Esaka, Fumitaka  ; Yasuda, Kenichiro   ; Suzuki, Daisuke   ; Magara, Masaaki  

Isotope ratio analysis of individual particles containing nuclear materials in environmental samples taken at nuclear facilities is important to clarify the origin and impact on the environment. Recently, nuclear fuels containing uranium and plutonium are utilized for nuclear reactors. Therefore, the analysis of uranium-plutonium mixed particles is also important. In this study, an analytical technique was developed to measure Pu/Pu isotope ratios by a combination of alpha spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.