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Title: Technical description of candidate fluorescence compounds and radioisotopes for a nuclear smuggling deterrence tag (IL500E)

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/212432· OSTI ID:212432

This report summarizes the efforts completed in identifying candidate fluorescence compounds and radioisotopes for a developing tagging system. The tagging system is being developed as a deterrent to nuclear smuggling, by providing a means of: (1) tracing materials and pilferers to the facility of origin for any recovered special nuclear materials; (2) inventory control of long-term stored items containing special nuclear materials; and (3) tracking materials transferred between facilities. The tagging system uses four types of tagging materials to cover a range of applications intended to prevent the pilfering of special nuclear materials. One material, fluorescent compounds which are invisible without ultraviolet or near-infrared detection systems, is marked on controlled items with a tracking pattern that corresponds to a specified item in a specified location in the data control system. The tagging system uses an invisible, fluorescent dusting powder to mark equipment and personnel who inappropriately handle the tagged material. The tagging system also uses unique combinations of radionuclides to identify the facility of origin for any special nuclear material. Currently, 18 long-lived radioisotopes, 38 short-live radioisotopes and 10 fluorescent compounds have been selected as candidate materials for the tagging system.

Research Organization:
Lockheed Idaho Technologies Co., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-94ID13223
OSTI ID:
212432
Report Number(s):
INEL-96/0087; ON: DE96009905; TRN: 96:010644
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: Mar 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English