1987 target values for uncertainty components in fissile isotope and element assay (achievable uncertainties in destructive assay of nuclear material)

A list of ''1987 Target Values'' for achievable uncertainty components in fissile isotope and element assay, has evolved from discussions within the ESARDA Working Group on Techniques and Standards for Destructive Analysis, the INMM Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Measurement Control Committee and the INMM Committee on Mass Spectrometry Measurement Control. It updates the list of ''1983 Target Values'' on the basis of the experience gathered in using the concept. As the previous list, the list of 1987 Traget Values, given in this paper, does not represent the ultimately achievable performance of a measurement method which would be obtained under exceptional or ideal laboratory conditions. The 1987 Target Values should be achievable under the conditions normal encountered in typical industrial laboratories or during Safeguards inspections. They are not intended to picture a ''State-of-the-Art but rather the ''State-of-the-Practice.'' They reflect, however, reasonably well the progress observed during the last years in the routine performance of accountability and verification measurements, so that the ''1987 Target Values'' should still be a motivating reference for effective fissile material control, inventory and safeguards