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Electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) - Shielded SX
Shielded Electron Probe MicroAnalyzer for Radioactive SamplesThe Shielded SX has been specifically developed to handle and analyze radioactive samples (eg nuclear fuels) emitting gamma radiations up to 3 Curies at 0.75MeV. Based on the SXFive and SXFiveFE architecture, the Shieldede SX is further equipped with shielded WDS spectrometers and a shielded sample stage in order to ensure safe sample manipulation and to preserve analytical performance.
Fully customized environment and analytical equipment
The instrument (column, spectrometers and sample stage) are installed in a "hot" cell (lead or concrete shielded room).
The instrument is fully remote-controlled (stage, column, diaphragms...) with electronics and computer deported outside the hot cell environment.
Remote-manipulators and/or ball manipulators are used to insert and mount the radioactive samples. In the ITU Karlsruhe-Germany configuration, for example, the analysis chamber is vented and the stage is moved to a position directly accessible with ball-manipulators at each sample exchange. In the LECA/STAR CEA Cadarache-France design, samples are introduced via an airlock system located in a glove box for alpha confinement.
All WDS analyzers and detectors are shielded to prevent the background caused by the gamma radiations.
Cs X Ray map from irradiated fuels
The stage is made of Denal material.
The Secondary Elecron detector has a special orientation to avoid gamma ray perturbation.