National technical nuclear forensics: history and U.S. research priorities
- United States Department of Homeland Security - Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, DHS DNDO Stop 0552, 245 Murry Lane, Washington, DC 20528-0552 (United States)
In the event of a nuclear detonation in the United States, the interdiction of a nuclear device, or the seizure of nuclear materials, there will be tremendous pressure to attribute the source, establish responsibility, and ensure the prevention of a subsequent incident. The U.S. response to any attack will have to be backed up by demonstrable proof. Nuclear forensics contributes to this demonstrable proof by helping to identify the type of weapon and nuclear material used and where it came from. Nuclear forensics is the collection, analysis, and evaluation of pre-detonation (intact) and post-detonation (exploded) radiological or nuclear materials, devices, and debris, as well as the immediate effects created by a nuclear detonation. Along with intelligence and law enforcement investigations, nuclear forensics stands as one of the three pillars supporting attribution. To ensure the nation's readiness to execute the mission, the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) Interagency, which include the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, Energy, Justice, and State and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, is consistently focused on improving its analytical capabilities by continually assessing and enhancing the accuracy, precision, and timeliness of NTNF relevant conclusions, while ensuring the quality of those conclusions. This focus drives the Inter-agency's Research and Development priorities, which are divided into four key technical mission areas (TMA). The TMAs span the spectrum of the NTNF enterprise, from pre- to post- detonation, and guide agency funding decisions. (authors)
- OSTI ID:
- 23042618
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 115; Conference: 2016 ANS Winter Meeting and Nuclear Technology Expo, Las Vegas, NV (United States), 6-10 Nov 2016; Other Information: Country of input: France; 1 ref.; available from American Nuclear Society - ANS, 555 North Kensington Avenue, La Grange Park, IL 60526 (US); ISSN 0003-018X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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