Analysis of ²³⁶U by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry and Its Applications

Abstract

Due to its specific properties, in particular its almost exclusively anthropogenic origin and highly conservative chemical behaviour in the environment, the uranium isotope ²³⁶U is an exceptionally suitable tracer of both human nuclear activities and natural processes. As an analytical tool, it is particularly useful in the fields of nuclear safety with an overlap into forensic analysis and oceanography, where it is mainly used for deep-sea current mapping. This paper provides a brief summary of ²³⁶U properties, its analytical applications and determination by accelerator mass spectrometry, including sample preparation procedure and influence of the resulting chemical matrix on the final instrumental determination.