Abstract
The development of ultra-brilliant synchrotron X-ray sources enables characterization methods that are
particularly important for nuclear materials. Here we discuss emerging synchrotron methods with
unprecedented signal-to-noise, spatial and time resolution. Microprobe methods are discussed that
extend virtually any X-ray characterization measurement to ultra-small sample volumes. This ability is
critical to resolve heterogeneities in nuclear materials and for studies on volumes with vastly lower activity
than are needed for traditional X-ray characterization. Specific methods discussed include microdiffraction
for the characterization of local crystal structure and micro-spectroscopy techniques that
allow for characterization of elemental distributions with sensitivity for daughter products, oxidation
states and diffusion through buffer layers. Opportunities are also discussed that exploit the high brilliance
and pulsed nature of synchrotron radiation to reduce backgrounds from sample radiation and to study
materials dynamics.
