Synchrotron-based x-ray techniques are used to bring complementary information to local probes such as atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy. Two examples of nuclear materials used for the cladding of fuel assembly are given: oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys and M5™ Zr-based alloys. In both cases, synchrotron radiation analyses bring original results concerning nanosized secondary phases: for M5™, radiation-enhanced precipitation of β-Nb precipitates has been evidence and the crystallographic structure (lattice parameter and Nb content) is reported for the first time and for irradiated ODS, the dissolution of larger oxides is evidenced while a finer distribution of complex Y–Ti–O oxides still acts as obstacles for dislocations.

Natural samples of soil, sediment and natural water were collected in the “Parc National du Mercantour” in France. Soil and sediment samples were studied to better understand the behaviors of radionuclides (RNs) in different natural compartments. Considering 137Cs and 241Am activities in depth (measured by α- and γ-spectrometries), two types of sediment profiles can be distinguished depending on the origin (Chernobyl accident or atmospheric nuclear weapon tests). Due to difficulties in modeling the dispersion of those RNs in natural samples, even in a protected area, semi-synthetic studies were conducted. Eu(III) was used as an analogue of Am(III). Eu behavior in water was studied by EXAFS and compared to speciation diagrams drawn in similar chemical conditions. Eu is mainly complexed by carbonate and phosphate ions. The mean Eu-O distance (2.46 Å) obtained by EXAFS is in agreement with predominant solid species determined by speciation diagrams and previous published studies.

The MARS (Multi-Analyses on Radioactive Samples) beamline, at Synchrotron Soleil (France) is fully dedicated to advanced structural and chemical characterizations of radioactive matter (solid or liquid), coupling analytical tools such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and associated micro-beam techniques. This beamline is now partially operational and has completed its first year of working with samples below exemption limits. This paper describes the beamline design and its technical specifications as well as the standard equipment of the experimental stations and the first obtained results.