Laboratory-scale X-ray absorption spectroscopy approach for actinide research: Experiment at the uranium L3-edge

We report that by using crystal optics and laboratory-based X-ray source, one may perform easily X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) state-of-the-art measurements at the U L3-edge. Our results are in excellent agreement with synchrotron-based studies for UO2, KUO3 and β-UO3. The laboratory scaled approach constitutes an inexpensive solution to the limited availability of the XAS beamlines for actinide research. Moreover, our results allow for the development of many future applications addressing actinide f-electron chemistry and nuclear energy-related physico-chemistry, such as advanced nuclear fuel development and safe long term disposal of nuclear wastes.