Abstract
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has the potential to allow direct, standoff measurement of contaminants on nuclear plant. Here, LIBS is evaluated as an analytical tool for measurement of Sr and Cs contamination on type 304 stainless steel surfaces. Samples were reacted in model acidic (PUREX reprocessing) and alkaline (spent fuel ponds) Sr and Cs bearing liquors, with LIBS multi-pulse ablation also explored to measure contaminant penetration. The Sr II (407.77nm) and Cs I (894.35nm) emission lines could be separated from the bulk emission spectra, though only Sr could be reliably detected at surface loadings >0.5mgcm−2. Depth profiling showed decay of the Sr signal with time, but importantly, elemental analysis indicated that material expelled from LIBS craters is redistributed and may interfere in later laser shot analyses.
Highlights
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a quasi-nondestructive technique that operates on the fundamental principle of the ablation of a small amount of sample by a laser pulse that is focused onto the surface
Strontium and cesium emission lines were identified within the LIBS spectrum of contaminated coupons
We have shown that LIBS can be used to identify Sr and Cs contamination on 304L austenitic stainless steel, a material widely used in the nuclear waste storage and reprocessing operations
Summary
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a quasi-nondestructive technique that operates on the fundamental principle of the ablation of a small amount of sample by a laser pulse that is focused onto the surface. Deposition of radionuclides from reprocessing streams onto steel components incurs a radiation dose to nearby workers and, if left untreated, can generate large volumes of radioactive waste. Analysis may be completed in radiologically and chemically hazardous areas such as hot cells without incurring an additional dose penalty This is in sharp contrast to wet techniques currently employed for the quantitative analysis of nuclear materials [16,17] which by comparison require comparatively long analysis times. The large number of alloying elements typically present in steel reduces this probability of satisfying this prerequisite condition In this contribution we evaluate the ability of LIBS to reliably measure strontium and cesium contamination in AISI Type 304 stainless steel, a common construction material used throughout nuclear reprocessing facilities owing to its excellent corrosion resistance properties [18]. We assess the potential of LIBS to be used as a depth profiling technique for Sr and Cs penetration into steels using LIBS multi-pulse analysis over a single position, as previously documented for other materials [20,21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
