Stable neodymium isotopic composition of nuclear debris samples

Fission reactions result in Nd isotope decay products which alter Nd isotopic compositions measured in nuclear debris. Trinitite samples measured by MC-ICP-MS show perturbations of Nd isotopes relative to Nd-142, the only isotope of Nd which is blocked from fission product decay. By measuring Nd-144/Nd-142 and the total number of atoms of Nd-142 in the sample, it is possible to quantify the total number of fissions in nuclear debris, an important signature in post-detonation nuclear forensics.

Automated summary

Fission reactions lead to the decay of Nd isotopes, which alters the measured Nd isotopic compositions in nuclear debris. Trinitite samples analyzed by MC-ICP-MS show deviations in Nd isotopes relative to Nd-142, the only isotope that is unaffected by fission product decay. By measuring the Nd-144/Nd-142 ratio and the total number of Nd-142 atoms in the sample, it is possible to quantify the total number of fissions in nuclear debris, which is crucial in post-detonation nuclear forensics.