Utilization of dual-column focused ion beam and scanning electron microscope for three dimensional characterization of high burn-up mixed oxide fuel

• Obtained high quality coupled EBSD/EDS of high burn-up MOX fuel.
• Used FIB to obtain three-dimensional microstructure data from high burn-up MOX fuel.
• Characterized high burn-up fuel using TEM.

Developing a more fundamental understanding of fuel performance requires detailed characterization of irradiated fuel under a variety of conditions. Historically characterization was limited by instrumentation available. Great strides have been made in new characterization techniques, yet there application to irradiated fuels has been delayed due to the difficulty of working with the samples. This paper outlines the first results from the application of a dual-column focused ion beam along with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction detectors to analyze the 3D structure of high burn-up MOX fuel. The applicability and advantages of the advanced techniques to irradiated fuel are also discussed.