A physically cryptographic warhead verification system using neutron induced nuclear resonances

Engel, Ezra M.; Danagoulian, Areg

doi:10.1038/s41467-019-12386-0

A physically cryptographic warhead verification system using neutron induced nuclear resonances

Journal Article · Mon Sep 30 00:00:00 EDT 2019 · Nature Communications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12386-0· OSTI ID:1619721

Engel, Ezra M.;

Arms control treaties are necessary to reduce the large stockpiles of the nuclear weapons that constitute one of the biggest dangers to the world. However, an impactful treaty hinges on effective inspection exercises to verify the participants’ compliance to the treaty terms. Such procedures would require verification of the authenticity of a warhead undergoing dismantlement. Previously proposed solutions lacked the combination of isotopic sensitivity and information security. Here we present the experimental feasibility proof of a technique that uses neutron induced nuclear resonances and is sensitive to the combination of isotopics and geometry. The information is physically encrypted to prevent the leakage of sensitive information. Our approach can significantly increase the trustworthiness of future arms control treaties while expanding their scope to include the verified dismantlement of nuclear warheads themselves.

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Research Organization:: Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: NA0002534

OSTI ID:: 1619721

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1614532
OSTI ID: 1798658

Journal Information:: Nature Communications, Journal Name: Nature Communications Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 10; ISSN 2041-1723

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United Kingdom

Language:: English

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