In situ synchrotron based x-ray techniques as monitoring tools for atomic layer deposition

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Mobile setup for synchrotron based in situ characterization during thermal and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition

We report the design of a mobile setup for synchrotron based in situ studies during atomic layer processing. The system was designed to facilitate in situ grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), and x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements at synchrotron facilities. The setup consists of a compact high vacuum pump-type reactor for atomic layer deposition (ALD). The presence of a remote radio frequency plasma source enables in situ experiments during both thermal as well as plasma-enhanced ALD. The system has been successfully installed at different beam line end stations at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and SOLEIL synchrotrons. Examples are discussed of in situ GISAXS and XRF measurements during thermal and plasma-enhanced ALD growth of ruthenium from RuO4 (ToRuS™, Air Liquide) and H2 or H2 plasma, providing insights in the nucleation behavior of these processes

Precision measurement of the half-life and the decay branches of 62Ga

In an experiment performed at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla, the beta-decay half-life of 62Ga has been studied with high precision using the IGISOL technique. A half-life of T1/2 = 116.09(17)ms was measured. Using beta-gamma coincidences, the gamma intensity of the 954keV transition and an upper limit of the beta-decay feeding of the 0+_2 state have been extracted. The present experimental results are compared to previous measurements and their impact on our understanding of the weak interaction is discussed.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures, submitted to EPJ

Production of Zero-Energy Radioactive Nuclear Beams through Extraction from the Liquid-Vapour Interface of Superfluid Helium

A new approach has been investigated to create an ultra-cold radioactive beam from high-energy ions. A 223Ra alpha-decay recoil source has been used to produce radioactive ions in superfluid helium. The alpha spectra demonstrate that the recoiling 219Rn ions have been extracted out of liquid helium. This first observation of the extraction of heavy positive ions across the superfluid helium surface has been possible thanks to the high sensitivity of radioactive ion detection. An efficiency of 36 % has been obtained for the ion extraction out of liquid helium.</p

Decay of [Formula Presented] to [Formula Presented]

The decay of on-line mass-separated [Formula Presented] has been studied by [Formula Presented] spectroscopy. A definite odd parity and a probable [Formula Presented] are deduced for the high-spin [Formula Presented]-decaying level. The 1116 keV and 1392 keV levels in the [Formula Presented] daughter nucleus are candidates for the bottom of the [Formula Presented] band. There is no support for a previously reported very-low-lying [Formula Presented] level at 871 keV. A [Formula Presented] band built on the new level at 1639 keV is proposed. The lowest-lying two-quasiparticle levels in [Formula Presented] are calculated in the framework of the quantum Monte Carlo pairing model using deformed shell model states. The lowest configurations are associated with an oblate minimum of the potential energy.</p

Production of ²³⁵Np, ²³⁶Pu and ²³⁷Pu via nuclear reactions on ^235,236,238U and ²³⁷Np targets

A summary of methods for cyclotron production of 235Np (396.1d), 236Pu (2.858y) and 237Pu (45.2d) via nuclear reactions with protons and 3He-ions on 235,236,238U and 237Np targets in wide energy ranges is given. Methods for the chemical separation and purification of these nuclides from the irradiated uranium and neptunium targets are described. Cross sections, yields and radionuclidic purities of 235Np, 236Pu and 237Pu are presented and compared with literature data on the nuclear reactions leading to these radionuclides. The nuclear reactions with the so far highest known yields of 235Np, 236Pu and 237Pu are determined: 236U(p, 2n)235Np, 237Np(p, 2n + pnβ-)236Pu and 237Np(p, n) 237Pu, respectively. The highest radionuclidic purity of 235Np, 236Pu and 237Pu tracers can be reached with the 236U(p, 2n)235Np, 236U(p, nβ -)236Pu and 237Np(3He, t) 237Pu reactions, respectively. In addition new cross sections and yield data of the 236U(3He, p3n)235Np reaction in the energy range 42.4-60 MeV are given.</p

Measuring spent fuel assembly multiplication in borated water with a passive neutron albedo reactivity instrument

Abstract The performance of a passive neutron albedo reactivity (PNAR) instrument to measure neutron multiplication of spent nuclear fuel in borated water is investigated as part of an integrated non-destructive assay safeguards system. To measure the PNAR Ratio, which is proportional to the neutron multiplication, the total neutron count rate is measured in high- and low-multiplying environments by the PNAR instrument. The integrated system also contains a load cell and a passive gamma emission tomograph, and as such meets all the recommendations of the IAEA’s recent ASTOR Experts Group report. A virtual spent fuel library for VVER-440 fuel was used in conjunction with MCNP simulations of the PNAR instrument to estimate the measurement uncertainties from (1) variation in the water boron content, (2) assembly positioning in the detector and (3) counting statistics. The estimated aggregate measurement uncertainty on the PNAR Ratio measurement is 0.008, to put this uncertainty in context, the difference in the PNAR Ratio between a fully irradiated assembly and this same assembly when fissile isotopes only absorb neutrons, but do not emit neutrons, is 0.106, a 13-sigma effect. The 1-sigma variation of 0.008 in the PNAR Ratio is estimated to correspond to a 3.2 GWd/tU change in assembly burnup.Peer reviewe