Feasibility of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for quantification of zirconium in nuclear streams

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy is explored for the estimation of Zr in metallic fuel and pyrochemical reprocessing stream using filter paper as a sample substrate. Zr(II) emission line at 339.20 nm has been identified and used for its quantitative determination. Calibration curves are obtained after normalizing the intensity of Zr to C/Y emission lines as an internal standard, to get better linearity. Analytical capability of LIBS for Zr estimation is tested by comparing the measured value with ICP-OES in simulated samples. Good agreement between the measured values confirms the ability of LIBS application in nuclear streams.