The state of nuclear forensics

Kristo, M J; Tumey, Scott J.

doi:10.1016/j.nimb.2012.07.047

Cited by 87 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The high uranium concentration (>60%) and relative ease of transport of UOCs have made them a commonly traded commodity on the worldwide market (Kristo & Tumey 2013). As a result, UOCs are attractive materials for diversion from civilian power purposes to possible weapons production.…”

Section: Nuclear Forensics Of Uranium Ore Concentratesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The techniques and methods applied were similar to those in the second exercise described above. The key findings were the importance of physical measurements (mass, dimensions) for solid samples, as well as the importance of understanding the assumptions behind radiochronometry, as discussed earlier in this review (Hanlen 2011, Kristo & Tumey 2013. Because the two previous exercises had involved powder samples, the participating researchers had to adjust the prioritization of their techniques to take advantage of the intact fuel pins before aliquoting them for destructive analysis.…”

Section: Laboratory Exercise Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Kristo

Gaffney

Marks

et al. 2016

Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.

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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. Ian Hutcheon, our friend, colleague, and mentor, passed away on March 26, 2015, during the writing of this review paper. Ian (PhD, Physics, University of California, Berkeley, 1974)

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Section: Nuclear Forensics Of Uranium Ore Concentratesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Laboratory Exercise Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Kristo

Gaffney

Marks

et al. 2016

Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.

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“…T he confident execution of actinide isotope measurements has repeatedly been identified as a critical signature capability in modern nuclear forensics [1][2][3]. Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) has historically represented the Bgold standardî n performing such measurements and remains in wide use in the forensics, safeguards, and nonproliferation arenas [4,5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Static, Mixed-Array Total Evaporation for Improved Quantitation of Plutonium Minor Isotopes in Small Samples

Stanley

Byerly

Thomas

et al. 2016

J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom.

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Abstract. Actinide isotope measurements are a critical signature capability in the modern nuclear forensics Btoolbox^, especially when interrogating anthropogenic constituents in realworld scenarios. Unfortunately, established methodologies, such as traditional total evaporation via thermal ionization mass spectrometry, struggle to confidently measure low abundance isotope ratios (<10 -6 ) within already limited quantities of sample. Herein, we investigate the application of static, mixed array total evaporation techniques as a straightforward means of improving plutonium minor isotope measurements, which have been resistant to enhancement in recent years because of elevated radiologic concerns. Results are presented for small sample (~20 ng) applications involving a well-known plutonium isotope reference material, CRM-126a, and compared with traditional total evaporation methods.

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“…Such analysis, which is now commonly referred to as nuclear forensics, involve the comprehensive physical, chemical and isotopic measurements (e.g. physical dimensions, crystal structure, radioactive and stable chemical impurities, classical forensic analysis) as well as the interpretation of these measured parameters (Kristo and Tumey, 2013;Mayer et al, 2013;Tandon et al, 2008). Based on this complex information, the assumed origin of the material can be verified or, for an unknown material, the provenance can be identified with high reliability.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of reference materials for uranium radiochronometry in the frame of nuclear forensic investigations

Varga

Mayer

Bonamici

et al. 2015

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

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The results of a joint effort by expert nuclear forensic laboratories in the area of age dating of uranium, i.e. the elapsed time since the last chemical purification of the material are presented and discussed. Completely separated uranium materials of known production date were distributed among the laboratories, and the samples were dated according to routine laboratory procedures by the measurement of the (230)Th/(234)U ratio. The measurement results were in good agreement with the known production date showing that the concept for preparing uranium age dating reference material based on complete separation is valid. Detailed knowledge of the laboratory procedures used for uranium age dating allows the identification of possible improvements in the current protocols and the development of improved practice in the future. The availability of age dating reference materials as well as the evolvement of the age dating best-practice protocol will increase the relevance and applicability of age dating as part of the tool-kit available for nuclear forensic investigations.

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The state of nuclear forensics

Cited by 87 publications

References 20 publications

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

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

Static, Mixed-Array Total Evaporation for Improved Quantitation of Plutonium Minor Isotopes in Small Samples

Validation of reference materials for uranium radiochronometry in the frame of nuclear forensic investigations

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