Actinide Analytical Chemistry

Analytical chemistry and R&D programs

Providing expertise in chemical and radiochemical analysis of materials with significant portions of actinide elements

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) Group supports the nation’s nuclear chemistry capability with our expertise in safeguards measurements, stockpile support, threat reduction, nuclear forensics, and material disposition.

The mission of C-AAC began with the Manhattan project and continues today by maintaining a strong nuclear capability. We are recognized as a leader within the international nuclear community for our in-depth technical capabilities, knowledge, and the strength of our ISO 17025-accredited quality assurance program. 

Analyzing actinide-containing materials from major components down to trace impurities — spanning over seven orders of magnitude of chemical analysis capabilities

Stockpile Support

Stockpile stewardship is the Laboratory’s core mission. In the absence of underground testing, analytical chemistry of plutonium is one of the most important tools available for ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the nuclear stockpile. C-AAC provides qualified analytical measurement capabilities to certify the chemical composition of Lab-built plutonium pits for diamond-stamped product acceptance. 

Safeguards Measurements

Safeguards require precise analytical chemistry to support control of accountable and special nuclear materials. This effort overlaps somewhat with nuclear forensics in its objective to detect and deter the malicious diversion and use of nuclear materials.

Threat Reduction

C-AAC collaborates with international colleagues to detect and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, decommission excess weapons plutonium, and fabricate and certify Certified Reference Materials. The threat reduction mission depends heavily on analytical chemistry to detect proliferation activities.

Capabilities 

Controlled Potential Coulometry
Material Recovery and Recycling
Nuclear Forensics
Techniques
Actinide Assay
Trace Element Analysis
Mass Spectrometry
Radiochemistry
X-Ray Fluorescence
Particle Characterization
Surface Characterization