Publications by authors named "Elmer Lujan"
Article Synopsis
- The study compares radio-chronometric ages of four plutonium-certified reference materials with differing chemical forms and isotopic compositions to evaluate current age dating techniques for nuclear materials.
- Modern analytical methods, including various mass spectrometers, were employed across different laboratories, highlighting variations in age determination precision and the need for standardized isotopic references.
- Results suggest that while trace level analytical labs may have slightly higher uncertainties compared to bulk sample labs, both can achieve similar model purification ages using established isotope measurement techniques.
Nuclear forensics techniques, including micro-XRF, gamma spectrometry, trace elemental analysis and isotopic/chronometric characterization were used to interrogate two, potentially related plutonium metal foils. These samples were submitted for analysis with only limited production information, and a comprehensive suite of forensic analyses were performed. Resulting analytical data was paired with available reactor model and historical information to provide insight into the materials' properties, origins, and likely intended uses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNuclear forensic publications, performance tests, and research and development efforts typically target the bulk global inventory of intentionally safeguarded materials, such as plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U). Other materials, such as neptunium (Np), pose a nuclear security risk as well. Trafficking leading to recovery of an interdicted Np sample is a realistic concern especially for materials originating in countries that reprocesses fuel.
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