Surface and passivation studies of actinide metals

Results of studies of the molecular and electronic structures of passivation films on actinide metals are presented. Experimental techniques used include law energy electron diffraction, auger electron spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron-induced luminescence. Experimental production of oxide and oxide-hydroxide films on thorium and uranium is described along with oxidation studies using thorium single crystals. It is felt the efforts in developing fundamental understanding of the reactivity and surface properties of the actinide metals have contributed significantly to the solutions of many applied problems, particularly in the area of materials compatibility