Abstract: Ruggedized luminescent nanoparticle tracers have luminescent nanoparticle cores coupled to a luminescent substrate. The substrate is a large-particle size phosphor, while the nanoparticles are photoluminescent quantum dots (QDs) whose emission spectra can be tuned based on their chemical composition, size, and fabrication (e.g., dopants). The QDs are encapsulated by a protective layer to form a nanoparticle core. The protective layer can shield the QDs from external environments that would otherwise damage the delicate QDs. The substrate is also encapsulated by a protective layer, and the protective layer of the nanoparticle core is coupled to the protective layer of the substrate via a molecular linker to form a tracer particle complex. The tracer particle complexes can be disposed in a silicate suspension for subsequent use.

Abstract: Ruggedized luminescent nanoparticle tracers have luminescent nanoparticle cores coupled to a luminescent substrate. The substrate is a large-particle size phosphor, while the nanoparticles are photoluminescent quantum dots (QDs) whose emission spectra can be tuned based on their chemical composition, size, and fabrication (e.g., dopants). The QDs are encapsulated by a protective layer to form a nanoparticle core. The protective layer can shield the QDs from external environments that would otherwise damage the delicate QDs. The substrate is also encapsulated by a protective layer, and the protective layer of the nanoparticle core is coupled to the protective layer of the substrate via a molecular linker to form a tracer particle complex. The tracer particle complexes can be disposed in a silicate suspension for subsequent use.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for dissolution of solids and “difficult-to-dissolve” solids. A solid sample may be ablated in an ablation device to generate nanoscale particles. Nanoparticles may then swept into a coupled plasma device operating at atmospheric pressure where the solid nanoparticles are atomized. The plasma exhaust may be delivered directly into an aqueous fluid to form a solution containing the atomized and dissolved solids. The composition of the resulting solution reflects the composition of the original solid sample.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for ultrasensitive determination of target isotopes of analytical interest in a sample. Target isotopes may be implanted in an implant area on a high-purity substrate to pre-concentrate the target isotopes free of contaminants. A known quantity of a tracer isotope may also be implanted. Target isotopes and tracer isotopes may be determined in a mass spectrometer. The present invention provides ultrasensitive determination of target isotopes in the sample.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for ultrasensitive determination of target isotopes of analytical interest in a sample. Target isotopes may be implanted in an implant area on a high-purity substrate to pre-concentrate the target isotopes free of contaminants. A known quantity of a tracer isotope may also be implanted. Target isotopes and tracer isotopes may be determined in a mass spectrometer. The present invention provides ultrasensitive determination of target isotopes in the sample.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for dissolution of solids and “difficult-to-dissolve” solids. A solid sample may be ablated in an ablation device to generate nanoscale particles. Nanoparticles may then swept into a coupled plasma device operating at atmospheric pressure where the solid nanoparticles are atomized. The plasma exhaust may be delivered directly into an aqueous fluid to form a solution containing the atomized and dissolved solids. The composition of the resulting solution reflects the composition of the original solid sample.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring target actinides in a fuel reprocessing or waste remediation facility. The methods can be characterized by providing a fuel reprocessing or waste remediation stream having at least one target actinide and at least one other radionuclide. At least a portion of the stream is flowed through an electrochemically modulated separations (EMS) device comprising a carbon-based electrode. A potential is applied to the carbon-based electrode to adjust the redox states of the target actinide, at least one of the radionuclides, or both. The target actinide is separated from the other radionuclides through reaction with, or at, the carbon-based electrode. Finally, direct, in-line chemical nondestructive analysis, at-line chemical separations and sampling analysis, or both, of the target actinide is performed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry which is particularly suitable for the determination of isotopic ratios.In order to improve the precision of such determinations, the nozzle-skimmer type interface of the mass spectrometer is arranged so that the ratio ##EQU1## is greater than 0.8 mB.sup.1/2, where d.sub.s is the diameter of the orifice in the skimming member, s is the spacing between the sampling member and the skiming member, and p.sub.1 is the pressure in the region between the sampling and skimming members. Although use of the invention slightly reduces the efficiency of the interface it results in more accurate isotopic ratio determinations.