Standardless X-ray fluorescence on hybrid K-edge densitometer device: fundamental parameters approach
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Accurate and rapid quantification of actinides in highly radioactive solutions is critical for nuclear fuel reprocessing and waste management. This study presents a standardless X-ray fluorescence method applied to a hybrid k-edge densitometer (HKED) system at the Atalante facility at CEA Marcoule, eliminating the need for calibration standards by leveraging a fundamental parameters approach. The method uses one element as an internal reference to deduce the concentrations of other actinides, such as plutonium or neptunium, in liquid samples. The proposed approach combines a detailed geometrical and physical description of the HKED system, Monte Carlo simulations to model the apparent detection efficiency and Python-based spectral processing for peak integration and background correction. The method was validated on 19 spectra from three independent HKED systems (CEA Marcoule, JRC Karlsruhe, and IAEA), covering a wide range of U/Pu mass ratios. Results demonstrate expanded uncertainties below 2.5% for plutonium quantification when peak counting statistics are sufficient. The method is robust, adaptable to other actinides (e.g.: Np, Am), and can be extended to conventional XRF systems with internal standards. This work enhances the analytical capabilities of HKED systems by enabling fully standardless quantification, reducing reliance on mixed calibration solutions while maintaining high accuracy.
Authors: E. Esbelin, P. Schweizer
Language: English
Subfield: Radiation
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,530
OpenAlex ID: W7223186745