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Improved methods to age-date uranium certified reference materials for nuclear forensics using the 231Pa/235U radiochronometer

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Abstract

Improved methods employed at Los Alamos National Laboratory for 231Pa/235U radiochronometry are outlined. We present elution curves obtained during 233Pa tracer preparation from 237Np. Additionally, we report model ages for uranium certified reference materials (CRMs) exhibiting a range of 235U enrichments including the first 231Pa/235U model ages for CRMs U200 and U900. Our results enable these CRMs to be used, with increased confidence, as quality control materials during nuclear forensics investigations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the National Nuclear Security Administration's Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence Office for direct funding. Los Alamos National Laboratory, an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, is managed by Triad National Security, LLC, for the National Nuclear Security Administration of the US Department of Energy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA

    Joanna S. Denton, Allison M. Wende, Theresa M. Kayzar-Boggs, April R. Cardon, Mark A. Edwards, Matthew E. Sanborn & Robert E. Steiner

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  1. Joanna S. Denton
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  2. Allison M. Wende
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  3. Theresa M. Kayzar-Boggs
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Correspondence to Joanna S. Denton.

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Denton, J.S., Wende, A.M., Kayzar-Boggs, T.M. et al. Improved methods to age-date uranium certified reference materials for nuclear forensics using the 231Pa/235U radiochronometer. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 5753–5762 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08627-0

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