International Data on Radiological Sources

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 2010

OSTI ID:989885

Finck, Martha; Goldberg, Margaret

ABSTRACT The mission of radiological dispersal device (RDD) nuclear forensics is to identify the provenance of nuclear and radiological materials used in RDDs and to aid law enforcement in tracking nuclear materials and routes. The application of databases to radiological forensics is to match RDD source material to a source model in the database, provide guidance regarding a possible second device, and aid the FBI by providing a short list of manufacturers and distributors, and ultimately to the last legal owner of the source. The Argonne/Idaho National Laboratory RDD attribution database is a powerful technical tool in radiological forensics. The database (1267 unique vendors) includes all sealed sources and a device registered in the U.S., is complemented by data from the IAEA Catalogue, and is supported by rigorous in-lab characterization of selected sealed sources regarding physical form, radiochemical composition, and age-dating profiles. Close working relationships with global partners in the commercial sealed sources industry provide invaluable technical information and expertise in the development of signature profiles. These profiles are critical to the down-selection of potential candidates in either pre- or post- event RDD attribution. The down-selection process includes a match between an interdicted (or detonated) source and a model in the database linked to one or more manufacturers and distributors.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
• Sponsoring Organization: OTHER
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 989885
• Report Number(s): INL/CON-10-18939
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
ENFORCEMENT
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
IAEA
MANUFACTURERS
SEALED SOURCES
radiological dispersal device
radiological sources