Enhanced Pu emission with solution-loaded laser ablation modified sources (SLLAMS) for thermal ionization mass spectrometry

This study presents a new approach to filament modification by laser ablation for analysis of femtograms of plutonium (Pu) by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). This method simplifies the often rigorous and labor-intensive sample loading necessary for low-level analyses by TIMS with solution-loaded laser ablation modified sources (SLLAMS). By applying a Parafilm (TM) coating to the surface of the filament and then ablating through the film to reveal metal beneath, a point source is created at the optical center of the filament. A solution containing ppt-levels of Pu can then be applied over the ablated region, dried slowly into the crater, and then carburized. All analyses were made by multiple ion counting system on a Nu Instruments TIMS. We report uncertainties of 10% 2 sigma for Pu-240/Pu-239 of CRM-137 samples totaling 5-7 fg (fg; 1E-15 g) with an average sample utilization efficiency of 1.3%. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study introduces a new method for filament modification using laser ablation for femtogram-level analysis of plutonium. By coating the surface with a film and ablating to create a point source, it simplifies the sample loading process for low-level TIMS analysis.