Evaluation of a new sector-field ICP-MS with Jet Interface for ultra-trace determination of Pu isotopes: from femtogram to attogram levels
Open Access
- 1 January 2015
- journal article
- Published by The Japan Society of Nuclear and Radiochemical Sciences in Journal of Nuclear and Radiochemical Sciences
- Vol. 15 (1), 1_7-1_13
- https://doi.org/10.14494/jnrs.15.1_7
Abstract
In March 2014, a new sector-field (SF)-ICP-MS (Element XR) equipped with the Jet Interface was installed in the Research Center for Radiation Protection at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS). This is the first Element XR installed for actinides measurements in Japan. In this paper, a detail evaluation is made of the Element XR on its analytical potential for ultra-trace determination of Pu isotopes. In order to enhance the sensitivity for Pu isotope analysis, high efficiency sample introduction systems (APEX-Q and Aridus II) were combined with the Element XR. A certified Pu isotope standard solution (NBS 947) and a multi element standard solution (Merck Multi Element Standard), which contained depleted U, were used to investigate four items: the formation rate of 238UH+, which could interfere with an ultra-trace level 239Pu determination; the detection limit for Pu; the precision and accuracy for 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio measurement; and the long-term (8- month) stability for Pu isotope composition analysis. Due to the exceptionally high sensitivity of the new SF-ICP-MS, a detection limit at the attogram (10-18 g) level was achieved. This is comparable to or even surpasses the detection limit of accelerator mass spectrometry, which has long been regarded as the most sensitive technique for Pu isotope measurement.Keywords
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