Bioassay Measurements for Uranium Using Sputter Initiated Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy.

摘要

It was determined earlier in a feasibility study that Sputter Initiated Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (SIRIS) would be feasible as an ultrasensitive analytical method for the detection of uranium, plutonium, and thorium in urine and other bioassay samples. SIRIS is a method which uses sputtering to atomize a sample, tunable dye lasers to selectively ionize the element of interest, and a mass spectrometer to detect the separated isotopes of the selected element. The authors report here demonstration measurements for the analysis of uranium in simple aqueous solution and in synthetic urine to a detection limit of 1 micrograms/1. Sample preparation procedures are discussed. The technique of isotope dilution was used for calibration. The results of the measurements are reported and discussed. Steps to lower the detection limit to 0.05 micrograms/1 are reported. Cost estimates for routine analyses are reviewed.