Analysis of materials containing actinide

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory provides expertise in chemical and radiochemical analysis of materials in which actinide elements make up a significant portion of the sample. These analyses range from assay of the major components down to trace analysis of impurities—spanning over seven orders of magnitude of chemical analysis capability.

In support of these capabilities, the group has the key facilities, glove boxes, hoods, analytical instrumentation, and technical expertise to safely handle and analyze milligram to kilogram quantities of special nuclear material.

The mission of Actinide Analytical Chemistry began with the Manhattan project and continues today through maintaining a strong nuclear capability. We are recognized as a leader within the international nuclear community for our in-depth technical capabilities, knowledge, and the strength of our ISO 17025-accredited (pdf) quality assurance program. Additional strengths that support the nation’s nuclear chemistry capability are our role in safeguards measurements, stockpile support, threat reduction, nuclear forensics, and material disposition.

Capabilities

• Safeguards Measurements
• Controlled Potential Coulometry
• Material recovery and recycling
• Nuclear Forensics
• Stockpile Support
• Threat Reduction

Techniques

• Actinide Assay
• Trace Element Analysis
• Mass Spectrometry
• Radiochemistry
• X-Ray Fluorescence
• Particle Characterization
• Surface Characterization