Paul Hanemann (Hannover): Resonant laser-ionization mass spectrometry for nuclear forensics on hot particles

Small, highly radioactive fragments, so-called “hot particles”, can be found in the environment as a result of nuclear accidents and weapons tests. Identifying the origin of this material poses a significant challenge for nuclear forensics. The combination of the spatial resolution on a nm-scale of traditional time of flight mass spectrometry with the elemental selectivity of laser ionization makes resonant laser-ionization mass
spectrometry an ideal method to investigate such hot particles. As a quasi-nondestructive technique, it can be combined with other analytical methods. The isotope ratio for different actinides can be used to link a hot particle to a specific nuclear event.
This presentation explores the investigation of nuclear fuel fragments discovered in the Chornobyl exclusion zone, highlighting the potential advantages of resonant laserionization mass spectrometry for nuclear forensics.