Age determination of plutonium particles is a highly important task in view
of the pending cut-off treaty for nuclear weapons materials. By collecting
particles from the vicinity or inside the nuclear facilities and determini
ng their ages, it is possible to monitor the observance of the cut-off agre
ement.
In this study, the age determination of Pu particles was demonstrated by Se
condary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). To determine the ionisation efficienc
y difference of Pu and U, standard Pu materials with known ages were analys
ed. Finally, the age determination of two real Pu samples was demonstrated.