LG-SIMS for High-Precision Uranium Isotope Analysis in Nuclear Safeguards

The Application

Nuclear safeguards rely on the ability to detect and characterize trace uranium-bearing particles collected during inspections of nuclear facilities. These environmental swipe samples can reveal whether undeclared nuclear material processing or enrichment has taken place. Ultrasensitive isotopic analysis at the submicron scale is therefore essential to support regulatory compliance, nonproliferation, and nuclear forensics.

The Challenge

Small-particle analysis is inherently complex. Uranium particles in environmental dust often measure only a few micrometers—and sometimes only picograms—in mass. Conventional analytical techniques lack the spatial resolution, sensitivity, or isotope ratio precision needed to reliably characterize these particles. Minor isotopes, such as ²³⁶U, provide key information on enrichment routes, feedstock origins, and facility histories, but they are easily obscured by isobaric interferences unless the instrument offers very high mass resolving power.

Our Unique Solution

Based on the SIMS technique, CAMECA’s Large Geometry SIMS provides unmatched capability for isotope analysis of uranium particles, offering:

• High transmission at high mass resolving power (MRP) for efficient removal of background interferences with minimal signal loss.
• Imaging-based APM (Automated Particle Measurement) software for fast, automated screening to rapidly locate and identify U bearing particles within complex matrices.
• Parallel detection of all U isotopes, enabling optimized precision and dramatically improved throughput.
• High-accuracy microbeam analysis to precisely quantify both major (²³⁵U) and minor (²³⁶U) isotopes—critical for determining process history.

This combination delivers a complete workflow for nuclear safeguards, from rapid particle identification to high-precision isotope ratio determination.

Case Study

In a widely cited study, CAMECA’s LGSIMS was used to analyze swipe samples containing standard micrometer sized uranium particles with dual isotopic compositions. APM software first identified and screened the particles automatically. Subsequent microbeam analyzes achieved excellent precision for both major ²³⁵U and minor ²³⁶U isotopes in multi-collection mode, demonstrating the instrument’s power to reveal enrichment signatures and feedstock origins in environmental samples.

Left: LG-SIMS data obtained using the APM screening software on a sample containing 0.5% depleted and 1% enriched uranium particles. 6653 particles identified over the central area of the sample (ø 16 mm). Right: Uranium isotope data obtained from LG-SIMS micro beam measurements performed on individual particles on a sample containing 1% enriched uranium particles amongst an environmental matrix.

Data from: Nuclear safeguards applications using LG-SIMS with automated screening capabilities. P. Peres et al. Surface and Interface Analysis.

BestFit Product: CAMECA IMS 1300HR³

IMS 1300HR³ instruments are engineered to deliver the world’s highest sensitivity and precision for nuclear particle analysis. Their combination of high MRP, multicollection detection, advanced ion imaging, and automated particle screening makes them the gold standard for safeguards laboratories, IAEA inspectors, and nuclear forensics specialists.

Learn More

Strengthen your nuclear safeguards capabilities with best in class isotope analysis.

👉 Contact our experts today to discuss your analytical needs, request a demo, or obtain detailed technical specifications.

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