Nano-scopic speciation of aquatic actinide ions by laser spectroscopy

Speciation of actinides is fundamental for a detailed appraisal of their chemical behaviour in the geological environment and hence entails straightforward methods of high sensitivity. Using laser as a light source, various spectroscopic methods have been developed and applied for the study of aquatic chemical reactions in the nano-mole range, i.e. complexation reactions, solid-water interface interactions and colloid generation of actinide ions of different oxidation states. A brief overview on the laser spectroscopy is presented for the general principle and the fields of application. (author)