Development of an isotope analysis method based on diode laser absorption spectroscopy using an arc-jet plasma wind tunnel

Radioactive isotopes in nuclear fuel and radioactive waste must be quantified for safety control and management of various nuclear facilities. In this study, an isotope analysis method based on diode laser absorption spectroscopy by using an arc-jet plasma wind tunnel is developed for rapid analysis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 2018-01, Vol.33 (5), p.893-896
Main Authors: Kuwahara, Akira, Aiba, Yasuaki, Nankawa, Takuya, Matsui, Makoto
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorption spectroscopy
Argon
Argon plasma
Flow velocity
Isotopes
Metastable state
Nozzles
Nuclear engineering
Nuclear fuels
Nuclear safety
Optical measurement
Radioactive wastes
Radioisotopes
Safety management
Spectrum analysis
Trace gases
Wind tunnels
Xenon
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Summary:Radioactive isotopes in nuclear fuel and radioactive waste must be quantified for safety control and management of various nuclear facilities. In this study, an isotope analysis method based on diode laser absorption spectroscopy by using an arc-jet plasma wind tunnel is developed for rapid analysis without sample preparation and sophisticated maintenance. The translational temperature and flow velocity downstream of a supersonic nozzle are measured using an atomic argon transition of 826.45 nm from an excited state, and then, the temperature upstream of the nozzle is estimated using the two measured values. Next, the trace gas measurement capability is verified by injecting natural xenon into argon plasma, and optical measurements are carried out at an atomic xenon transition to 823.16 nm from a metastable state. The detection limit of xenon over the argon molar ratio is estimated to be 140 parts per million downstream. An isotope analysis method is developed for rapid analysis of radioactive waste without sample preparation and sophisticated maintenance.
ISSN:0267-9477
1364-5544
DOI:10.1039/c8ja00040a