Micro-Raman mapping combined with X-ray detection for chemical state analysis of individual uranium particles in environmental samples

Yomogida, Takumi   ; Esaka, Fumitaka  ; Magara, Masaaki  

Chemical state analysis of individual uranium particles in environmental samples is useful tool for deducing the nuclear activity at nuclear facilities. However, coexisting elements in uranium baring particles would interfere with chemical state analysis by micro-Raman spectroscopy. In this study, X-ray detection and micro-Raman spectroscopy were applied in combination to reduce an influence of coexisting elements during the micro-Raman measurement. The method has been applied to the analysis of reference uranium particles and environmental samples. As a result, the chemical form of individual uranium particles can be analyzed thanks to the optimization of the analyzed spot at a micro-Raman measurement. The characteristic Raman band at 445 cm assigned to UO structures were observed from the uranium-baring particle in an environmental sample.