Formation Of (Uo)-U-238-O-16 And (Uo)-U-238-O-18 Observed By Time-Resolved Emission Spectroscopy Subsequent To Laser Ablation

We have measured vibronic emission spectra of an oxide of uranium formed after laser ablation of the metal in gaseous oxygen. Specifically, we have measured the time-dependent relative intensity of a band located at approximately 593.6 nm in O-16(2). This band grew in intensity relative to neighboring atomic features as a function time in an oxygen environment but was relatively invariant with time in argon. In addition, we have measured the spectral shift of this band in an O-18(2) atmosphere. Based on this shift, and by comparison with earlier results obtained from free-jet expansion and laser excitation, we can confirm that the oxide in question is UO, consistent with recent reports based on laser ablation in O-16(2) only. Published by AIP Publishing.