Title: Measurement of TRISO Fuel at the Analytical Research Laboratory with Microcalorimetry
Authors: E.P. Abel1*, A. Williams1, E. Seabury1, B. Bucher1, K. Schreiber2, M. Croce2, D. Becker3,4, M. Keller3, D. Swetz3, J. Ullom3, M. Carpenter2, D. McNeel2
1Idaho National Laboratory, Department of National and Homeland Security, Nuclear Nonproliferation
2Los Alamos National Laboratory
3National Institute of Standards and Technology
4University of Colorado Boulder
*corresponding author
Abstract: The Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) at Idaho National Laboratory is equipped with an Analytical Research Laboratory (ARL) that provides analysis of pre- and post-irradiated fuel as well as other material of interest in nuclear energy research. Typically, destructive analysis methods are used at the ARL to measure the elemental and isotopic composition of these materials. A microcalorimeter detector called the High Efficiency and Resolution Microcalorimeter Spectrometer-400 (HERMES-400) has been installed at the analytical lab at MFC both to utilize the nuclear material available at the lab to validate this new detector technology and to assist with routine analysis of incoming samples in the future. This instrument has resulted from a collaboration between Los Alamos National Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the University of Colorado to develop a detector system using a microcalorimeter array for nuclear fuel cycle measurements. HERMES-400 offers expanded capabilities over current gamma-ray spectroscopy primarily through improved energy resolution (i.e., several times better than high purity germanium detectors). One application of the high energy resolution offered by this detector is high precision isotopic composition measurements through a nondestructive technique. In particular, gamma signatures for actinides may be better distinguished from those of fission products with the resolution offered by HERMES. Recent validation measurements with HERMES have involved measuring a light water reactor fuel sample and an irradiated Advanced Gas Reactor TRISO particle. The results of these measurements will be discussed and compared to the current measurement techniques typically used at the ARL for these types of samples.