Laser‐induced oxidation of UO2: A Raman study

• DOI: 10.1002/jrs.5347
• Publication Date: 2018-02-14T07:38:39Z
• Authors: J.M. Elorrieta; L.J. Bonales; M. Naji; D. Manara; V.G. Baonza; J. Cobos
• Keywords: Power density; Raman laser

Abstract A reliable method to probe and characterise the oxidation of actinide oxides by means Raman spectroscopy is introduced. The present so‐called laser heating enables studying behaviour various compounds at high temperatures under a given atmosphere with unique alteration small amount sample, which certainly advantageous in terms safety when handling hazardous or radioactive materials. approach based on dual use beam, same time employed as excitation source for analysis source, exploiting possibility vary beam power density reaching sample surface. can lead significant increase analyte surface temperature up several hundred degrees. sufficiently low allows us subsequently acquire corresponding spectrum point without distorting measurement. In this work, UO 2 powder has been subjected air proof method's applicability, attaining sequential acquisition characteristic spectra different involved from U 3 O 8 . such sequence phase transformations started occur was estimated be around (560 ± 40) K. Stokes/anti‐Stokes intensities ratio, using similar set‐up that used experiments. These results are particularly appealing remote analyses, like those required study nuclear fuel waste.