Scientists Trace Nuclear Material Origins

Raman spectroscopy reveals hidden clues about uranium processing history

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:44am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones depicting the complex molecular structure and spectroscopic signatures of uranium oxide compounds, conveying the scientific order and precision of these nuclear materials.Raman spectroscopy reveals the hidden molecular signatures of uranium compounds, providing new insights for nuclear forensics and nonproliferation efforts.Oak Ridge Today

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are using Raman spectroscopy, a light-based analytical tool, to uncover previously unobservable characteristics related to the processing history of common forms of uranium used in the nuclear fuel cycle. The technique could provide new insights for nuclear forensics and nonproliferation efforts.

Why it matters

Uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) are a relatively stable form of uranium that can be attractive targets for diversion or misuse. Understanding the full processing history of these materials is crucial for tracking their origins and preventing illicit use. Raman spectroscopy offers a new way to analyze UOCs and potentially reveal details about their provenance that were previously hidden.

The details

The researchers examined eight uranium oxide samples derived from different UOC source materials and processing pathways. After heating the samples to 800 degrees Celsius to produce U3O8, an intermediate form of uranium, they used Raman spectroscopy to analyze the molecular-level signatures of the materials. While traditional powder X-ray diffraction methods only detected the final U3O8 compound, the more sensitive Raman spectroscopy revealed subtle differences between the samples, suggesting that some processing-related components were surviving the high-temperature treatment.

  • The research was published in the Journal of Nuclear Materials in 2026.

The players

Jordan Roach

A nuclear security scientist at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory who is developing new ways to use Raman spectroscopy to analyze the processing history of nuclear materials.

University of Utah

Collaborators who initially analyzed the uranium oxide samples using traditional powder X-ray diffraction methods.

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What they’re saying

“[The samples] were all tossed in the oven overnight at 800 degrees Celsius, and then out came oxides. What specifically? We didn't know just by looking at them, and I didn't want that to taint the results, or at least my analysis of them.”

— Jordan Roach, Nuclear security scientist

“[Raman spectroscopy] gives us a window into the material on the molecular scale.”

— Jordan Roach, Nuclear security scientist

“From a nonproliferation standpoint, it's another tool for identifying materials that might be outside of regulatory means. It's an extra indicator we could look at to determine the source of these materials.”

— Jordan Roach, Nuclear security scientist

What’s next

The research team plans to further study how trace elements influence Raman spectra in uranium materials to expand the capabilities of this analytical technique for nuclear forensics.

The takeaway

Raman spectroscopy offers a promising new approach to uncovering the processing history of common nuclear materials, which could provide valuable insights for efforts to track the origins of uranium and prevent its illicit use.