We will report on our efforts to develop a method for the determination of Am-241 in weapons grade plutonium for chronometry applications. The in-growth of Am-241 from Pu-241 is a well regarded nuclear forensic chronometer for duration since last chemical separation. Nuclear forensic sponsors are typically interested in results from two or more independent analytical methods that show statistical agreement, e.g. 95% confidence interval overlap, based on JCGM GUM based uncertainties. They are also interested in results with a low relative uncertainty to more tightly constrain the time frame for the last chemical separation. Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry (IDMS) is a well-regarded technique for measurement of Am-241 for this purpose given its achievable uncertainty, e.g. &lt;1% (k=2). Our focus has been an alternative method using a combination of spectrometry techniques that can approach the same level of precision as IDMS but in an independent manner.

Determination of Am-241 in weapons grade plutonium for chronometry applications

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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