SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Stored nuclear waste must be characterized in real time to guide treatment and processing. This characterization is complicated by the nuclear waste emitting harmful 𝛾𝛾𝛾𝛾 radiation. Remote, in-line, real-time analysis is required to minimize harm to operators and expedite the characterization of the nuclear waste. Raman spectroscopy performed in a laboratory setting has been proven effective for quantifying inorganic salts in nuclear waste. It will be tailored for on-site analysis of waste slurry without pre- filtration of the sample to remove turbidity. The Phase I project will demonstrate that turbid solutions can be analyzed by means of total internal reflection Raman spectroscopy. Building on previous research into Raman spectroscopy of nuclear waste, the total internal reflection Raman setup will be tested and the results compared to the published results. Total internal reflection conditions will be created with a hemispherical crystal, which can withstand extended 𝛾𝛾𝛾𝛾 radiation without its affecting the Raman spectra. Total internal reflection Raman setup can be compactly packaged with the light source and the detector in a case and the handheld stick-like probe, connected to the case through a fiber cable, can be inserted in the solution to be probed. This portable setup will safely monitor the salts in the nuclear waste.
