The development of a methodology for the preparation of a uranium-based radiochronometry reference material is presented, which can be applied as a reliable standard for age measurements based on the 230Th/234U chronometer. The material was prepared from high-purity uranium materials of various enrichments followed by the complete separation of thorium decay products. By this means, the age is exactly known and well-defined, and the 230Th presence in the material after purification will solely depend on the ingrowth from 234U. The verification of the material was accomplished by comparing the measured ages with the known values as well as with the theoretical values deriving from the radioactivity decay equations. Based on the methodology, a new uranium age dating certified reference material is prepared at the EC JRC ITU jointly with the EC JRC IRMM, which will be available for the national nuclear forensic laboratories from the mid-2013.

Development and validation of a methodology for uranium radiochronometry reference material preparation

245th National Meeting (2013)

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