Analysis of Anomalous Energy Shifts and Satellite Lines in Zirconium Foil for Nuclear Waste Characterization Using X-ray Fluorescence

초록

This study investigates anomalous energy shifts and satellite lines in zirconium foil using X-ray fluorescence to enhance the precision of nuclear waste characterization. This follows an experimental computational hybrid design, integrating high-resolution wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF), neutron diffraction-X-ray diffraction (ND-XRD), and Balancing Composite Motion Optimization (BCMO) simulation. Zirconium foil samples were carefully prepared to eliminate surface contaminants, enabling accurate detection of spectral anomalies. High-resolution WD-XRF and ND-XRD detected energy shifts and phase changes under simulated environmental stressors (1000 -Gy radiation, elevated temperatures). The analysis focused on identifying and interpreting energy shifts and satellite lines, which serve as indicators of material degradation, impurities, or lattice distortions under radiation exposure. BCMO simulations modeled zirconium's response to environmental stressors such as radiation and elevated temperature, supporting long-term performance predictions for waste containment. ND-XRD analysis provided complementary insights into structural stability and phase transformation. Data analysis and compositional quantification, implemented in Python, revealed zirconium contents of 98.5% (atomic) and 99.0% (weight). Monitoring spectral anomalies can improve diagnostic accuracy in nuclear waste management by revealing radiation-induced degradation or impurity effects in containment materials. Future work will employ advanced spectroscopy techniques, such as extended X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, to further elucidate degradation mechanisms in radiation-exposed materials.

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