ANSTO Nuclear Foresnics Research Facility: method development and applications
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Date
2012-10-16
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Abstract
The IAEA defines nuclear forensic science, commonly shortened to “nuclear forensics” as ‘the scientific analysis of nuclear or other radioactive material, or of other evidence that is contaminated with radioactive material, in the context of legal proceedings, including administrative, civil, criminal or international law’1. In broad terms, the job of the nuclear forensic scientist is to support investigations that involve a nuclear security event. Nuclear forensic examinations will provide information to key questions posed by the investigative authority: What is it? How
much is there? Is there any more out there? Is it ours? As an investigation proceeds other questions that may arise are; How old is it? What contaminants are present? Does it pose a threat? Who is responsible for the loss? Where did the material come from? Many of the techniques required to answer these questions are based on environmental radiochemistry. The Nuclear Forensic Research Facility (NFRF) at ANSTO is developing expertise in analysing nuclear and other radioactive material material based upon the precepts of the ‘model action plan’ of the International Technical Working Group for Nuclear Forensics (ITWG) and other best practices. We are also investigating the
validity of traditional forensic techniques (like fingerprints and DNA) on evidence contaminated with radioactive material alongside more novel parameters, e.g. the isotopic composition at the ‘bulk’ material and the micro scale using advanced micro-analytical techniques. We are moving towards the integration of a range of radio analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, electron microscopy and the simulation/modelling of material production signatures, to provide a range of different information streams to assist attribution. With each advance in our technical competencies we enhance our means to ensure the security of nuclear or other radioactive material.
Description
Keywords
ANSTO, Research programs, Nuclear forensics, Safeguards, Security, Nuclear security, Radioactive materials, Contamination, Nuclear materials management
Citation
Wotherspoon, A., Hill, D., Keegan, E., Evans, T., Blagojevic, E., Loi. K., Toole, K., Griffiths, G., Smith, K., & Reinhard. M. (2012). ANSTO Nuclear Foresnics Research Facility: method development and applications. Paper presented to the 12th South Pacific Environmental Radioactivity Association Conference (SPERA 2012), Tuesday 16 October – Friday 19 October 2012 Sydney, Australia. Lucas Heights, NSW: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. (pp. 25).