chanelink logo
CHANELINK
English

Accurate measurement of neptunium ionization potential using new laser technology

147
2024-05-11 16:42:14
See translation

Neptunium is the main radioactive component of nuclear waste, with a complex atomic structure that can be explored through mass spectrometry. This analysis is crucial for understanding its inherent characteristics and determining the isotopic composition of neptunium waste. Magdalena Kaja and her team from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany have developed a novel laser spectroscopy technique that can more accurately measure the ionization potential of neptunium compared to previous methods.

Neptunium is an actinide metal in the periodic table adjacent to uranium, with an atomic number of 93. The inspiration for its name comes from Neptune, located outside of Uranus in the solar system, which is a recognition of its position. Among the 25 known isotopes, most have extremely short lifetimes. However, the most stable isotope, neptunium 237 (237 Np), has a half-life of over 2 million years, making it a particularly dangerous nuclear pollutant.

The neptunium isotope samples available for this type of analysis are very small: they typically only contain a few atoms of the isotope.


Magdalena Kaja and her colleagues utilized a cutting-edge device that includes solid-state titanium: sapphire laser systems, enhanced laser ion sources, and high transmittance mass separators. This advanced equipment has played an important role in their research on neptunium.

The research team used this technique to measure the first ionization energy of neptunium, which is the energy required to remove the first electron from the outermost electron shell to form a positive ion. They accurately determined the value to be 6.265608 (19) eV. This measurement is not only consistent with the values previously reported in scientific literature, but also achieves an accuracy level more than ten times higher than any previous measurement.

This method can also be applied to the analysis and detection of trace amounts of neptunium in radioactive waste.

Source: Laser Net

Related Recommendations

  • A New RIEGL Laser Scanning Solution for Drone Data Acquisition

    With its latest developments, RIEGL once again emphasizes its pioneering role as a supplier of high-performance LiDAR sensors and integrated systems with UAS. The continuous trend in the drone system industry requires measurement level laser scanners that match the integrated performance of compact multi rotor and high-speed vertical takeoff and landing or fixed wing drone platforms.RIEGL has reco...

    2023-12-01
    See translation

  • Trotec Lasersysteme Darmstadt Laser Cutting Technology Center opens

    Trotec Laser, a manufacturer of laser technology in Upper Austria, is opening a new laser cutting competence center. The expanded showroom in Darmstadt now also houses three new large format laser cutters from the SP series. This strategic move is designed to meet the growing demand for large format laser cutting solutions.To celebrate the reopening of the Darmstadt Competence Centre, Trotec will ...

    2023-09-06
    See translation

  • Xinjiang Institute of Physical and Chemical Technology has established the largest database of computational nonlinear optical crystal materials to date

    Modern laser technology urgently requires nonlinear optical materials that can generate coherent light through second harmonic generation. However, only a small portion of the nonlinear optical properties of non centrosymmetric crystal materials have been experimentally or theoretically studied, and exploration for high-performance nonlinear optical crystal materials is still very limited.Recentl...

    2023-10-24
    See translation

  • Chip guided beam for new portable 3D printers

    Imagine being able to carry a 3D printer with you and quickly create low-cost objects, such as fastening bicycle wheels or parts needed for critical medical surgeries. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Texas at Austin have combined silicon photonics and photochemical technology to successfully develop the first chip based 3D printer, taking a cru...

    2024-06-18
    See translation

  • AEROTECH releases updated AUTOMATION1 motion control platform

    Aerotech is a global leader in precision motion control and automation, and every release has made the Automation1 motion control platform even stronger and more user-friendly. Version 2.5 brings TCP socket interface (test version), Automation1 MachineApps HMI development, new auxiliary module for motor settings, and improved machine settings for galvanometer laser scanning heads.Automation1 conti...

    2023-08-14
    See translation