Identification of unknown nuclear fuel by impurities and physical parameters

Analytical parameters sufficient for identification of nuclear material of unknown origin have been assayed for a number of examples of uranium dioxide fuel. These parameters comprise isotopic composition of uranium and the morphology features of a fuel pellet. However, in practice, it occurs that a sample of an industrial material corresponds frequently to the specification limits of several suppliers. In order to narrow further a range for potential sources, additional analytical parameters are necessary, such as fuel pellet impurity levels and surface roughness. Results from the following nuclear analytical techniques were utilized: thermal-ionization mass spectrometry, glow discharge mass spectrometry and profilometry. By way of example, it is demonstrated how these results serve to differentiate the sources of confiscated, vagabond nuclear materials. (author)