The CEA Cadarache facilities in southeastern France represent Europe’s largest energy research and development center.
In the Microanalysis Laboratory within the facility’s LECA-STAR complex, Karine Hanifi assists in a wide variety of national and international research programs, conducting analyses on a SX 100-R electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), a forerunner of our current shielded EPMA solution, the SKAPHIA.
In a recent study, the Shielded EPMA was used to precisely map and measure elemental concentrations at and below the surface of fuel pellets to predict the impact of the oxidation/reduction potential of high-temperature atmospheres generated during accident simulations. With detection limits down to 300 ppm, the instrument was able to supply precise mapping and quantitative data (a non-shielded instrument would be unable to achieve these measurements on radioactive samples!).
Understanding the reaction mechanism in the reactor — as simulated in the Cadarache VERDON test device — and investigating the evolution of microstructures in the fuel allows scientists to predict these accidents’ consequences in terms of contamination.
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Empowering nuclear research with a CAMECA EPMA at CEA Cadarache to learn more!
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