Detection of plutonium isotopes at lowest quantities using in-source resonance ionization mass spectrometry

作者：Raeder S^*; Hakimi A; Stoebener N; Trautmann N; Wendt K

来源：Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2012, 404(8): 2163-2172.

DOI：10.1007/s00216-012-6238-6

• Resonance ionization mass spectrometry
• In-source RIMS
• Plutonium
• Isotope ratios

The in-source resonance ionization mass spectrometry technique was applied for quantification of ultratrace amounts of plutonium isotopes as a proof of principle study. In addition to an overall detection limit of 10(4) to 10(5) atoms, this method enables the unambiguous identification and individual quantification of the plutonium isotopes Pu-238 and Pu-241 which are of relevance for dating of radiogenic samples. Due to the element-selective ionization process, these isotopes can be measured even under a high surplus of isobaric contaminations from U-238 or Am-241, which considerably simplifies chemical preparation. The technique was developed, tested, and characterized on a variety of synthetic and calibration samples and is presently applied to analyze environmental samples.

• 出版日期2012-11