Comparing results of X-ray diffraction, µ-Raman spectroscopy and neutron diffraction when identifying chemical phases in seized nuclear material, during a comparative nuclear forensics exercise

• DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5666-3
• Publication Date: 2018-01-24T15:17:07Z
• Authors: Stina Holmgren Ro...; Fabien Pointurier; Linnea Ahlinder; Henrik Ramebäck; Olivier Marie; Brice Ravat; François Delaunay; Emma Young; Ned Blagojevic; James R. Hester; Gordon Thorogood; Aubrey N. Nelwamondo; Tshepo P. Ntsoane; Sarah K. Roberts; Kiel S. Holliday
• Keywords: Powder Diffraction

This work presents the results for identification of chemical phases obtained by several laboratories as a part an international nuclear forensic round-robin exercise. In this powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) is regarded reference technique. Neutron produced superior high-angle pattern relative to p-XRD. Requiring only small amounts sample, µ-Raman spectroscopy was used first time in context potentially complementary technique The were identified pure UO2 two materials, and mixture UO2, U3O8 intermediate species U3O7 third material.