Developments in the TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) examination of Pu and Pu alloys

Microstructural characterization of plutonium utilizing Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), has previously been shown to be difficult because of the extreme toxicity and high oxidation rate of plutonium metal. Recent developments in plutonium sample preparation have shown that TEM foils of both alpha and delta phases may be prepared without the use of inert atmospheric systems on complex preparation devices. Using standard electropolishing techniques, samples may be produced which yield important microstructural data on plutonium and plutonium alloys. 15 refs., 4 figs