The INE-beamline for actinide research at Anka - a status report

The INE-Beamline for actinide research at the synchrotron source ANKA is now fully operational. This beamline was designed, built, and commissioned by the Institut fur Nukleare Entsorgung (INE) at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK), Germany. It is dedicated to actinide speciation investigations related to nuclear waste disposal as well as applied and basic actinide research. Experiments on radioactive samples with activities up to 106 times the exemption limit inside a safe and flexible double containment concept are possible. The close proximity of the beamline to INE's radiochemistry laboratories is unique in Europe. Currently, experiments can be performed in an X-ray energy range from around 2.15 keV (P K-edge) to 24.35 keV (Pd K-edge). Recent developments at the beamline include implementing a QuickEXAFS mode for time-resolved investigations. The beam spot at the sample position has been optimized and is measured to be about 500 μm in diameter. Currently the INE-Beamline is being upgraded to include a micro-focus option. Access to the INE-Beamline is possible through cooperation with INE, through the ANKA proposal system, and via the European Network of Excellence for Actinide Sciences (ACTINET). (authors)