Electron probe microanalysis of irradiated nuclear fuel: an overview

Abstract

This paper focuses on the features that set apart the electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of highly radioactive material from standard EPMA. In addition, it describes the difficulties encountered in the analysis of irradiated nuclear fuel and explains how certain problems have been solved or at least overcome. The paper then presents specific examples showing how EPMA is currently utilized in nuclear fuel research. It is shown that, despite the use of incorrect standards for certain elements, problems arising from X-ray line interference and uncertainties in the matrix correction, EPMA is still able to deliver basic data on chemical composition which are of fundamental importance in understanding the in-pile behaviour of nuclear fuel.