Defense Threat Reduction Agency Radiochemical Needs

Journal Article · Wed Aug 19 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3224699· OSTI ID:21344516

Walsh, Michael A. R.; Velazquez, Daniel L ^[1]

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1. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201 (United States)

The United States Government (USG) first developed nuclear forensics-related capabilities to analyze radiological and nuclear materials, including underground nuclear test debris and interdicted materials. Nuclear forensics is not a new mission for Department of Defense (DoD). The department's existing nuclear forensics capability is the result of programs that span six (6) decades and includes activities to assess foreign nuclear weapons testing activities, monitor and verify nuclear arms control treaties, and to support intelligence and law enforcement activities. Today, nuclear forensics must support not only weapons programs and nuclear smuggling incidents, but also the scientific analysis and subsequent attribution of terrorists' use of radiological or nuclear materials/devices. Nuclear forensics can help divulge the source of origin of nuclear materials, the type of design for an interdicted or detonated device, as well as the pathway of the materials or device to the incident. To accomplish this mission, the USG will need trained radiochemists and nuclear scientists to fill new positions and replace the retiring staff.

• OSTI ID: 21344516
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 1164; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMISTRY
MATERIALS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEAR MATERIALS DIVERSION
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOCHEMISTRY
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
TESTING
US DOD
US ORGANIZATIONS
WEAPONS