Laser based detection of 14CO2 in radioactive waste

A laser based spectroscopic technology, named SCAR (Saturated-absorption CAvity Ring-down), has been demonstrated for accurate radiocarbon (14C) determination in carbon dioxide. In particular, different materials from nuclear power plants, e.g., concrete and graphite, were burnt and the combustion-produced carbon dioxide was analyzed to asses the amount of 14C, a key species for nuclear decommissioning. The SCAR technology has demonstrated a performance equivalent or better to AMS and it is ready for further studies and deployment in nuclear waste management areas.