Chemical analysis is fundamental to understanding the interaction and behaviour of materials and their interactions. Chemical analysis covers a broad spectrum of topics ranging from confirming new materials formulations, such as polymeric explosive formulations and materials batch analysis; through to analysis of corrosion extent, gas phase analysis and specialist assay techniques.
The Actinides Analysis Team is responsible for providing support to a wide range of programmes requiring analysis of plutonium and uranium materials. These include component production and certification, surveillance and ageing programmes, actinide material recycle operations and high level monitoring activities.
The team utilises a wide range of instrumental techniques and is required to maintain this important capability. There is close liaison with US labs and exchange of materials to aid validation of techniques and support maintenance of the capability. Methods development work is also carried out and new instruments are brought on line as part of a programme to improve safety, reduce environmental impact and enhance the overall analysis capability.
The Radionuclides Team provides support to the Design Physics community through revalidation of UGT radiometrology data and maintenance of the UGT radiochemistry database. Research and development work is also carried out in support of both Threat Reduction and CTBT Treaty Verification programmes.
The team analyses various environmental samples, participates in numerous proficiency and intercomparsion exercises, and is due for accreditation as the UK’s CTBT laboratory. The team manages an extensive array of sophisticated radiometrology instrumentation including alpha and gamma spectrometers, liquid scintillation counters plus microscopy and image analysis equipment. There are many external links and interactions with US laboratories, HM government, CTBTO and IAEA.
The Mass Spectrometry Team maintains a wide range of mass spectrometers supporting a variety of programmes. Thermal Ionisation (TIMS) instruments are used for determining the isotopic composition of various weapon materials in support of component production and surveillance activities, as well as for determining isotopes in low level environmental samples.
The team also carries out mass spectrometric analysis of permanent gas mixtures and organic degradation products in support of production, ageing and surveillance programmes.
Capability is maintained through development of mass spectrometry techniques and introduction of new instrumentation, including TIMS, SIMS and RGA mass spectrometers.
The team has links with various US laboratories as well as UK universities and other establishments through EMR research and mass spec user group activities. |
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