Nuclear Forensic Methods in Safeguards

The introduction of strengthened safeguards, the implementation of the additional protocol (INFCIRC 540) and the nuclear material intercepted from illicit trafficking led to a more investigative character of analytical measurements. The more specific questions will be asked with respect to a given sample, the more investigative analytical methodologies will be required and the more thorough, interpretative and comparative evaluation of results needs to be done. Specific applications, often in combination with only minute amounts of sample call for methods of high sensitivity, low detection limits, high selectivity and high accuracy. Consequently, the new sample types triggered the transfer of analytical techniques from the environmental area, materials science and geological or cosmological area to the safeguards community. The selection of the method or combination of methods is done according to the sample and information required. Data interpretation is calling for reference information, comparison samples and thorough understanding of the processes taking place throughout the nuclear fuel cycle. Environmental analysis and nuclear forensic science have experienced during last ten years significant developments in the mentioned area which safeguards can now profit from.

MAYER Klaus;  WALLENIUS Maria; 

2008-11-19

European Safeguards Research and Development Association

JRC48840

0392-3029,   

http://esarda2.jrc.it/bulletin/index.html,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC48840,