Nuclear Forensic Science: Analysis of Nuclear Material Out of Regulatory Control

Nuclear forensic science seeks to identify the origin of nuclear materials found outside regulatory control. It is increasingly recognized as an integral part of a robust nuclear security program. This review highlights areas of active, evolving research in nuclear forensics, with a focus on analyti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annual review of earth and planetary sciences 2016-01, Vol.44 (1), p.555-579
Main Authors: Kristo, Michael J, Gaffney, Amy M, Marks, Naomi, Knight, Kim, Cassata, William S, Hutcheon, Ian D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth
Earth science
Forensic engineering
Forensic science
Forensic sciences
Government regulations
Mathematical analysis
Measuring instruments
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
Nuclear engineering
nuclear forensics
NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND RUEL MATERIALS
nuclear trafficking
RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
radiochronometry
Radioisotopes
Security
Uranium
uranium ore concentrate
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Summary:Nuclear forensic science seeks to identify the origin of nuclear materials found outside regulatory control. It is increasingly recognized as an integral part of a robust nuclear security program. This review highlights areas of active, evolving research in nuclear forensics, with a focus on analytical techniques commonly employed in Earth and planetary sciences. Applications of nuclear forensics to uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) are discussed first. UOCs have become an attractive target for nuclear forensic researchers because of the richness in impurities compared to materials produced later in the fuel cycle. The development of chronometric methods for age dating nuclear materials is then discussed, with an emphasis on improvements in accuracy that have been gained from measurements of multiple radioisotopic systems. Finally, papers that report on casework are reviewed, to provide a window into current scientific practice.
ISSN:0084-6597
1545-4495
DOI:10.1146/annurev-earth-060115-012309