Development of a methodology for the analysis of solid plutonium samples within containments.

The quality assured analysis of actinide materials is key in support of process qualification and materials accountancy in the nuclear industry. Development of rapid and direct analysis techniques are needed to add flexibility to laboratory based wet chemistry methods. We report development of a direct analysis technique for measurement of solid plutonium samples in a glovebox using High-Resolution Gamma Spectroscopy using CRM-126a as a calibrant. The reported approach requires careful control of measurement geometry but optimizes multiple analytical workflows and reduces the burden for routine assay, isotopes and decay product measurements by providing analytical data on solid samples avoiding wet chemical dissolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]