Safeguards Analytical Laboratory
Chemical Analysis Unit
The Chemical Analysis Unit performs the initial treatment and elemental assay determinations of all samples delivered to SAL. Depending on the declared composition of the sample material or a pre-screening by gamma-spectrometry, samples are analyzed in one of the three laboratories of the Chemical Analysis Unit:
performs the treatment and analysis of all samples not containing any plutonium or fission products.
performs the treatment and analysis of all samples containing any plutonium but no fission products.
performs the treatment of all samples containing fission products. Because of the high specific activity of these sample materials, sample portions shipped to SAL are very small, in the microgram to milligram range. Samples of this type are practically always analysed by isotope dilution mass spectrometry, where the spiking of the original sample (i.e. the addition of uranium and plutonium tracer isotopes) has been already performed in the field under the wittness of an Agency Safeguards Inspector.