Isotopic signatures from hydrogen to plutonium : a survey of mass spectrometry in the IAEA laboratories

The activities of the IAEA's laboratories are geared to the dual mandate of establishing International Safeguards and, on the other hand, to encourage and assist the development and practical applications of atomic energy throughout the world. International Safeguards are designed to ensure that nuclear materials, services, equipment and technologies are exclusively used for peaceful purposes. The work at the laboratories concentrates on nuclear techniques which are defined as spin-offs from nuclear science and the nuclear industry. They mainly use the properties of the stable and radioactive isotopes and of ionising radiation. As a consequence, the development and use of mass spectrometric techniques have always been an essential part of the laboratories activities