UF6 enrichment measurements using TDLS techniques

The objective of this work was investigation of possibility of tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS) technique application for gaseous uranium hexafluoride (UF6) isotope measurement. Spectra of uranium hexafluoride gas mixture were investigated using two different Fourier Transform Spectrometers Vector 22 and Bruker 66v. Observed spectral features were identified and model spectra of different gas mixture components were developed. Optimal spectral range for measurements was determined near maximum of UF6 combination band nu(1) + nu(3). Laboratory prototype of multi-channel instrument under consideration based on tunable diode lasers was built and algorithms were developed to measure gaseous UF6 isotopic ratios. Diode laser used operated at the wavelengths near lambda = 7.68 mu m. It was placed in a liquid nitrogen cooled cryostat. Three instrument channels were used for laser frequency calibration and spectra recording. Instrument was tested in measurements of real UF6 gas mixtures. Measurement accuracy was analyzed and error sources were identified. The root-mean-square random error in the U-235 isotopic content is characterized by a spread of about 0.27% for quick measurements (at times less than 1 min) and 1 % for periods of more than an hour. It was estimated that the measurement accuracy could be improved by at least an order of magnitude by minimizing the error sources. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.