Analysis of trace elements in simulated high radioactive waste glasses by means of laserablation-ICP-mass spectrometry

The present report describes the optimization of the laserablation-ICP-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for the analysis of trace elements in simulated glasses from the vitrification of high radioactive liquid waste (WAK-glass). By means of a focused laser beam small quantities of material are evaporated from the surface of a solid sample. These particles are transported by an Argon gas stream into the plasma torch of an ICP-mass spectrometer, where they are ionized and detected in accordance with their mass to charge ratio. The laserablation is characterized by a relatively simple procedure of measurement, which allows a rapid element analysis. Time consuming sample preparation, as for example the digestion of the sample, is not necessary. Because of the small amount of material required by the LA-ICP-MS, this method is suited for the analyses of radioactive samples. The first part of this work the laser parameters were optimized for the effective and reproducible sample evaporation. The second part presents results of the investigation of standard reference glasses and technical glasses. (orig./DG)