title: Gas-phase detection of solid-state fission product complexes for post-detonation nuclear forensic analysis.
abstract: This study presents the first known detection of fission products commonly found in post-detonation nuclear debris samples using solid sample introduction and a uniquely coupled gas chromatography inductively-coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Rare earth oxides were chemically altered to incorporate a ligand that enhances the volatility of the samples. These samples were injected (as solids) into the aforementioned instrument and detected for the first time. Repeatable results indicate the validity of the methodology, and this capability, when refined, will prove to be a valuable asset for rapid post-detonation nuclear forensic analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.
authors.forename: S Adam
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Stratz
authors.affiliation: Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Bredeson Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.
authors.forename: Colton J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Oldham
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.
authors.forename: Austin D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.affiliation: Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 552 Buehler Hall, 1420 Circle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.
authors.forename: Ashlyn V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Auxier
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennesse, 315 Pasqua Engineering Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Radiochemistry Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, 1508 Middle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ; Institute for Nuclear Security, University of Tennessee, 1640 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996 USA.
authors.forename: Howard L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Hall
keywords: Nuclear forensics; Nuclear security; Post-detonation; Rare earth separations