Fluorescence determination of trace amounts of uranium(VI) in various materials by a repetitive laser technique

A laser-induced fluorescence method (LFM) is described for determination of trace amounts of uranium(VI), with a detection limit of 4 x 10-11 g/ml. A repetitive pulsed laser, time discrimination and an averaging technique are used. The optimum time discrimination is obtained when the uranyl ion is complexed with phosphoric acid or sodium polysilicate. LFM does not need a preconcentration step or separation of uranium from interfering elements. The time needed for analysis is only 1-2 min. (author)