The Analysis of Nuclear Materials and Their Environments

This book provides an overview of passive and interactive analytical techniques for nuclear materials. The book aims to update readers on new techniques available and provide an introduction for those who are new to the topic or are looking to move into actinides and nuclear materials science. The characterization of actinide species and radioactive materials is vital for understanding how these elements and radioactive isotopes are formed and behave and how these materials can be improved. The analysis of the actinides or radioactive materials goes beyond spent fuel science to the applicable complete fuel cycle and including analysis of reactor materials.

Background: Nuclear Materials and Their Analysis Needs.- Sampling, Handling, Treatment and Separation.- Characterization Using Passive or Interactive Techniques.- Comparing and Combining Analytical Techniques.- Concluding Summary.

Claude Degueldre is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the Department of Engineering of the Lancaster University, UK. His research deals with the analysis of nuclear materials and their environments. He used to teach a course on the behavior of radionuclides in the environment at the Institute for Environmental Science, University of Geneva, Switzerland. He also worked for 30 years in nuclear sciences at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland, focusing on research in the field of the nuclear fuel cycle.