Objective
One of the most promising ultratrace analytical methods - resonance ionisation mass spectroscopy (RIMS) in combination with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) - is now in the stage of analytical application. Its advantages are high elemental and isotopic selectivity and extreme sensitivity. RIMS could be applied to practical problems, such as the detection of trace amounts of transuranium elements, where common methods seem to be insufficient.
This project will study the RIMS abilities in parallel with the design and elaboration of other analytical methods on the basis of available equipment. Sensitivity, selectivity and exposure time of RIMS, together with the simplified sample preparation will exceed the abilities of traditional methods.
The methods to be developed must prove their reliability and sensitivity in order to be accepted for trace analysis. This has to be done by intercalibration of quite a number of samples of different content and isotope ratios determined by accepted, reliable standard methods. These cross-checks will be necessary during the whole period of the project in order to find the optimum conditions for sample preparation as well as for ablation in order to specify the performance of the method.
For the RIMS systems developed, the following conditions are expected at a measuring time of about half an hour: detection limit of better than 108 atoms of actinides with electrothermal evaporation; detection limit of better than 1010 atoms with laser ablation, i.e. without chemical separation.
Four hours are required in the case of a chemical separation. Compared to the conventional radiometric methods, the measuring time at low concentrations will be shorter by a factor of 100 and, furthermore, the isotopic selectivity provided by RIMS allows conclusions on the origin of the contamination.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
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Coordinator
55099 Mainz
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.