Português

Accurate measurement of neptunium ionization potential using new laser technology

808
2024-05-11 16:42:14
Ver tradução

Neptunium is the main radioactive component of nuclear waste, with a complex atomic structure that can be explored through mass spectrometry. This analysis is crucial for understanding its inherent characteristics and determining the isotopic composition of neptunium waste. Magdalena Kaja and her team from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany have developed a novel laser spectroscopy technique that can more accurately measure the ionization potential of neptunium compared to previous methods.

Neptunium is an actinide metal in the periodic table adjacent to uranium, with an atomic number of 93. The inspiration for its name comes from Neptune, located outside of Uranus in the solar system, which is a recognition of its position. Among the 25 known isotopes, most have extremely short lifetimes. However, the most stable isotope, neptunium 237 (237 Np), has a half-life of over 2 million years, making it a particularly dangerous nuclear pollutant.

The neptunium isotope samples available for this type of analysis are very small: they typically only contain a few atoms of the isotope.


Magdalena Kaja and her colleagues utilized a cutting-edge device that includes solid-state titanium: sapphire laser systems, enhanced laser ion sources, and high transmittance mass separators. This advanced equipment has played an important role in their research on neptunium.

The research team used this technique to measure the first ionization energy of neptunium, which is the energy required to remove the first electron from the outermost electron shell to form a positive ion. They accurately determined the value to be 6.265608 (19) eV. This measurement is not only consistent with the values previously reported in scientific literature, but also achieves an accuracy level more than ten times higher than any previous measurement.

This method can also be applied to the analysis and detection of trace amounts of neptunium in radioactive waste.

Source: Laser Net

Recomendações relacionadas
  • Researchers use lasers to measure and manipulate magnetic ripple interactions

    One vision for computing the future is to use ripples in magnetic fields as the fundamental mechanism. In this application, magnetic oscillators can be comparable to electricity and serve as the foundation of electronic products.In traditional digital technology, this magnetic system is expected to be much faster than today's technology, from laptops and smartphones to telecommunications. In quant...

    2024-03-05
    Ver tradução
  • Atomstack leads the new track of intelligent laser engraving

    In today's rapidly developing technology, laser engraving technology is like a mysterious magician, constantly demonstrating amazing skills. In this field full of creativity and competition, Atomstack stands out with its outstanding technology and innovative spirit, becoming a leader in the new track.As the only enterprise in the semiconductor laser engraving machine industry with an annual shipme...

    2024-11-15
    Ver tradução
  • Germany Developed Short Wave Green Laser Underwater Cutting Technology

    With the prominent energy issues in various countries around the world, the utilization and development of energy have become a hot topic, and the demand for renewable energy is constantly increasing. The existing underwater infrastructure is no longer sufficient and needs to be dismantled using appropriate modern technology. For example, in order to increase the power of offshore wind power plant...

    2023-09-18
    Ver tradução
  • The scientific research team of Shenzhen University of Technology has discovered a new mechanism of attosecond pulse coherent radiation

    Recently, a team of Professor Ruan Shuangchen and Professor Zhou Cangtao from Shenzhen University of Technology proposed for the first time internationally a physical solution based on the generation of attosecond pulses and subperiodic coherent light shock radiation from a superluminal plasma wake field, and explained a new coherent radiation generation mechanism dominated by collective electron ...

    2023-10-14
    Ver tradução
  • Linear Pluggable Optical Device Alliance Definition Linear Pluggable Optical Device Specification

    A group of network, semiconductor, and optical companies formed the LPO MSA to develop the network equipment and optical module specifications required to implement a wide ecosystem of interoperable LPO solutions.These specifications address the industry challenges of reducing power consumption, cost, and latency while improving the reliability of high-speed optical interconnections.Accelink, AMD...

    2024-03-26
    Ver tradução