2025/09/11 by Wendt, K., Kneip, N., Raiwa, M. +1
#530
paper · doi:10.15488/19588
For the determination of lowest level radiocontaminations from anthropogenic sources, the use of mass spectrometric methods often is a favourable approach. For many long-lived α- and β-emitters, mass spectrometry can significantly outperform conventional radiometric detection technology with respect to sensitivity, selectivity and significance. In these cases, the quantification of atom numbers of individual radioisotopes in a sample not only excels decay counting and prevents potential interferences, but can deliver robust additional information on elemental composition, spatial distribution on a microscopic or macroscopic scale and on the origin of a contamination. These data are highly relevant for counteractions, control and forensics. Elemental selective laser mass spectrometry, applied either on bulk material or for depth profiling, surface layer mapping or non-destructive hot particle inspection, today has achieved maturity to serve as routine technique for numerous applications in the fields of radioecology and radiation protection.