Applications of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for field analysis of nuclear debris*

A portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analyzer is evaluated for field analysis of nuclear debris samples for the first time. Spectra from historic test locations at the Nevada test site are analyzed for general elemental and geological characteristics. The presence of minor emission lines of elements such as Cs, Ba and Sr in recorded spectra indicate the capability of the device to detect certain products of neutron activation. Sample clustering and discrimination based on elemental signatures indicating neutron activation is conducted by applying multivariate analysis methods to the spectral data. The results of this field study indicate that portable LIBS analyzers could serve as promising tools for rapid, on-site nuclear debris analysis.