Application of a differential technique in laser-induced fluorimetry/pulsed LED-fluorimetry: simple and reliable analysis of uranium raw materials in the nuclear fuel cycle - a mini-review

Application of a differential technique in laser-induced fluorimetry/pulsed LED-fluorimetry is recommended for routine accurate determination of uranium over a wide range of concentrations, based on the comparison of the response of the standard with a sample of similar but unknown concentration on the same sample weight basis. In this approach, the procedure of elimination of interference by simple dilution of the sample has the distinct advantage of being quick and very simple to perform because it does not require any chemical preparation or solvent extraction. It is a self-standardized methodology of measurement and guarantees the quality of an analytical result (accuracy, high precision, reliability, comparability, and traceability). Application of a differential technique in laser-induced fluorimetry/pulsed LED-fluorimetry will be useful for the analysis of uranium in ores, certification of reference materials, borehole core assay, beneficiation product analysis, and other diverse applications in the entire nuclear fuel cycle worldwide. Application of differential technique is based on the comparison of the fluorescence of the standard with a sample of similar but unknown concentration on the same sample weight basis, by the use of H 3 PO 4 -NH 4 H 2 PO 4 as a fluorescence-enhancing reagent.