Detection of reprocessing activities through stable isotope measurements of atmospheric xenon by mass spectrometry

Noble gas stable isotope abundance measurements are a tool for detecting reprocessing activities of nuclear fuels. As a matter of fact, specific parameters such as burn-up and reactor type can be determined thanks to high precision mass spectrometers. However, these are costly instruments requiring skilful staff. The authors developed a simple method based on an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer which allows fast and accurate stable xenon isotope ratio measurements on air samples without xenon concentration. Relative standard deviations (RSD) are typically 0.4-0.5% for major isotopes and 1-2% for minor isotopes. (author)