Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for simultaneous determination of lighter lanthanides in actinide matrix in aqueous medium

Quantitative analysis of lanthanides (Ln's) in actinides matrix in aqueous medium using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is presented in this article. Mixture of lighter rare earth elements (REEs) such as La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Sm in U matrix is analysed. Results on identifying non-overlapping peaks, calibration plot, detection limit, deviation from the true values, and precision are discussed. The data obtained is compared with reported results for similar kind of systems. The method also describes the potential for determination of atom percentage fission of a nuclear fuel using LIBS. An in-housed designed sample cell is adopted for analysis of liquid sample which requires minimal quantity (<1 mL). Minimum sample quantity is advantageous for analysis of highly radioactive irradiated nuclear sample because of lesser radiation exposure to the analyst. Quantitative analysis of lanthanides (Ln's) in actinides (An's) matrix in aqueous medium using LIBS. • Quantitative analysis of lanthanides (Ln's) in actinides matrix in aqueous medium using LIBS • This is the first report, to best of our knowledge, on quantification of Ln's in actinides matrix in aqueous medium. • Results on calibration plot, detection limit, deviation, and precision are compared with reported data. • The method is also first report to evaluate atom.% fission of a nuclear fuel using LIBS. • A sample cell having requirement of <1 mL solution designed in-housed is demonstrated for radioactive samples.