Environmental sampling serves as an essential tool for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to verify that nuclear facilities, such as enrichment plants, are not being misused and do not harbor undeclared nuclear materials [1]. Swipe sampling involves collecting μm-scale particulates for isotopic analysis, which provides valuable information about enrichment levels and potential reprocessing timelines.

The precise analytical methods for uranium(U) particles in environmental samples often using mass spectrometry techniques such as Fission Track-Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (FT-TIMS) and large geometry secondary ionization mass spectrometry (LG-SIMS) etc. Among these LG-SIMS is widely used for analysing U isotope ratios, it is costly and requires significant infrastructure.

An alternative approach, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), offers a rapid, in situ sampling method that requires minimal sample preparation. This technique shows promise for accurately determining the isotopic compositions of U elements, but it faces challenges when analysing small particles. This study aims to advance the capabilities of LA-ICP-MS by testing it with certified reference materials that have well-defined U isotopic compositions. Additionally, the validity of the LA-ICP-MS analysis results will be confirmed by comparing them with the results from LG-SIMS particle analysis.