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Experimental k 0 and k 0-fission factors for the determination of the n(235U)/n(238U) enrichment levels and correction for 235U fission interferences in samples containing uranium

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Abstract

In 2010 we investigated the applicability of the current k 0 and k 0-fission factors for the determination of the n(235U)/n(238U) isotopic ratio in multi-elemental samples containing uranium. An overestimation 3–4 % was observed in our determinations when employing the recommended 2003 k 0-literature. After a recalibration of all our laboratory instruments, a 3 % overestimation was still observed in this work when employing this nuclear data. Therefore we aimed at the experimental re-determination of these composite nuclear constants in order to enhance the reliability of the isotopic ratio determination method and the accuracy of our data-filtering algorithms. New k 0-fission factors are given for 7 nuclides that are not currently present in the 2012 k 0-database. Several additional k 0 factors are introduced for some nuclides in this library. Our k 0 results are also compared with those recently reported by Blaauw et al.

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Acknowledgments

We are in deep gratitude with the technical staff at SCK: I. Verwimp, B. Van Houdt, P. Vandycke, S. Van Bijlen and J. Leeuws for their skillful assistance during the irradiations and to E. Daniels for material preparations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    F. Farina Arboccò & K. Strijckmans

  2. k0-INAA Laboratory, Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie - Centre d’étude de l’énergie nucléaire (SCK-CEN), Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium

    F. Farina Arboccò, P. Vermaercke, K. Smits & L. Sneyers

Authors
  1. F. Farina Arboccò
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  2. P. Vermaercke
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  3. K. Smits
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  4. L. Sneyers
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  5. K. Strijckmans
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Correspondence to F. Farina Arboccò.

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Farina Arboccò, F., Vermaercke, P., Smits, K. et al. Experimental k 0 and k 0-fission factors for the determination of the n(235U)/n(238U) enrichment levels and correction for 235U fission interferences in samples containing uranium. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 302, 721–735 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3275-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3275-y

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