Actinides and Rare Earths exhibit unique and diverse physical, chemical and magnetic properties resulting from the complexity of the 5f and 4f electronic structure. The Actinide and Rare Earth Focus Topic Session concentrates on the fundamental chemistry, physics, materials, and interface science of f–electron materials with an emphasis on all aspects of nuclear technology while facilitating the involvement of early career scientists. The Focus Topic examines the role of the 4f/5f electrons in the electronic and magnetic structure, interfacial science, and issues related to f-electron materials and nuclear technologies. The role of fundamental f-electron science in resolving challenges posed by actinide chemistry and materials will be central, particularly with regard to topics such as separation science, nuclear fuels, structural materials, nuclear energy processes, nuclear safeguards/forensics, and stewardship. Contemporary experimental approaches, including synchrotron radiation-based investigations and emerging techniques, all coupled to theory, will be featured to understand these complex materials. Specific sessions will be devoted to advances in experimental and theoretical approaches along with new sessions recognizing the resurgence of several targeted aspects of actinide science. There will be a particular emphasis on the inclusion of early career participants. Shared sessions will be with Applied Surface Science, Magnetic Interfaces/Nanostructures, Theory for Surface Processes and Spectroscopies Topic Area, and special Light Source Science Sessions.
AC+MI+TH-TuM: Magnetism, Electron Correlation, and Superconductivity in the Actinides/Rare Earths
- Fabrice Wilhelm, ESRF, France, “Uranium and Cerium Based Systems Probed with High-Pressure XANES and XMCD”
AC+MI+TH-TuA: Chemistry and Physics of the Actinides/Rare Earths
- Alyssa Gaiser, Michigan State University, “Unraveling the Unique Properties of f-Element Terpyridyl Complexes”
- Xiaosong Li, University of Washington, “Electronic Structure Methods for f-Block Elements: Are We There Yet?”
- Tsuyoshi Yaita, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Japan, “Structures and Electronic States of Actinide and Lanthanide Complexes with Phenanthroline Derivatives”
AC+AS+TH-WeM: Nuclear Safeguards, Forensics, Environmental Science, and Stewardship
- Scott Donald, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, “Changes in Oxidation Mechanism with Relative Humidity: Application to Uranium Dioxide Powders”
- Itzhak Halevy, Nuclear Engineering, Ben Gurion Uni. Be’er Sheva, Israel, “Simulation Tools for Improvement of the Fission Track Analysis Method for Nuclear Forensics”
- Carolyn Pearce, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, “Characterizing Actinides in Subsurface Sediments for Contaminant Remediation”
AC+AS+MI+TH-WeA: Emerging Topics and Methods in Actinide/Rare Earth Sciences
- Donald Brown, Los Alamos National Laboratory, “High Energy X-Ray Characterization of Microstructure at Macroscopic Depths in Pu Alloys”
- Samuel Webb, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, “Chemical Imaging and Applications Using High Energy Resolution Fluorescence Detection for the Actinides”
AC-TuP: Actinides and Rare Earths Poster Session