Fossil records of early solar irradiation and cosmolocation of the CAI factory: A reappraisal.

Calcium-aluminum–rich inclusions (CAIs) in meteorites carry crucial information about the environmental conditions of the nascent Solar System prior to planet formation. Based on models of V–Be co-production by in-situ irradiation, CAIs are considered to have formed within ~0.1 AU from the proto-Sun.

Samarium isotope compositions of uranium ore concentrates: A novel nuclear forensic signature.

Uranium ore is mined and milled to produce uranium ore concentrate (UOC), a regulated product of the nuclear fuel cycle. Diversion of UOC from the fuel cycle into possible weapons production is a key concern in global nonproliferation efforts. As such, the ability to trace the origin of seized nuclear materials is imperative to law enforcement efforts.

Combined mass-dependent and nucleosynthetic isotope variations in refractory inclusions and their mineral separates to determine their original Fe isotope compositions.

Calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) are the oldest dated materials that provide crucial information about the isotopic reservoirs present in the early Solar System. For a variety of elements, CAIs have isotope compositions that are uniform yet distinct from later formed solid material. However, despite being the most abundant metal in the Solar System, the isotopic composition of Fe in CAIs is not well constrained.