Application of visible/near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy to uranium ore concentrates for nuclear forensic analysis and attribution.

Uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) are produced at mining facilities from the various types of uranium-bearing ores using several processes that can include different reagents, separation procedures, and drying conditions. The final UOC products can consist of different uranium species, which are important to identify to trace interdicted samples back to their origins. Color has been used as a simple indicator; however, visual determination is subjective and no chemical information is provided.

Portable microcoil NMR detection coupled to capillary electrophoresis.

High-efficiency separation techniques, such as capillary electrophoresis (CE), coupled to a nondestructive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer offer the ability to separate, chemically identify, and provide structural information on analytes in small sample volumes. Previous CE-NMR coupled systems utilized laboratory-scale NMR magnets and spectrometers, which require very long separation capillaries. New technological developments in electronics have reduced the size of the NMR system, and small 1-2 T permanent magnets provide the possibilities of a truly portable NMR.

Direct chemical analysis of solids by laser ablation in an ion storage time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

A laser ablation/ionization mass spectrometer system is described for the direct analysis of solids, particles, and fibers. The system uses a quadrupole ion trap operated in an ion storage mode, coupled with a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer). The sample is inserted radially into the ring electrode, and an imaging system allows direct viewing and selected analysis of the sample.