Resonant laser–SNMS for spatially resolved and element selective ultra-trace analysis of radionuclides

Abstract

The newly developed resonant laser–SNMS system at the IRS Hannover combines the high spatial and decent mass resolution of a TOF-SIMS instrument with the element-selective process of resonant laser ionization. This setup was characterized by use of synthetic uranium, plutonium and technetium samples to prepare and demonstrate the performance for measurements on environmental samples. The laser–SNMS system will be applied for the detection, visualization and ultra-trace analysis of radionuclide containing nanoparticles in environmental samples with strongly reduced or even completely omitted chemical preparation. The necessary suppression of isobaric contamination was demonstrated as well as the first detection of uranium containing particles in a completely unaltered soil sample.