| Abstrakt: |
Detection of special nuclear materials (SNM) is crucial to thwarting nuclear proliferation and terrorism and to securing "double-edge" use of technology and materials worldwide. The United States currently uses several types of nuclear detection equipment. All have significant shortcomings. Some work only at very short range; some cannot identify the material emitting radiation, which can lead to false alarms and interrupt commerce; some depend on operator skill and may be defeated by a clever smuggler; and some are easily defeated by shielding. Safeguarding technology has a dual role -deterrence and detection. Deterrence means dissuasion from an action by threat of failure, an unacceptable consequence. A detection system will ensure that any attempted misuse of SNM from a rogue State will result in failure. Adequate safeguarding technology will make any attempt too complex to succeed. Some of the forthcoming technical challenges include detection methods that are as unobtrusive as possible, have tampering rigidity, provide accurate measurements (i.e. high confidence level and decrease in false alarms). Intelligence challenges include the integration of detection technology into the verification process, building confidence between States and worldwide acceptance. The presented enabling concept and approach will combine safeguarding technology development- a scientific task - with the process and facility specific implementation- an intelligence task. Moreover, the presented concept can be expanded and applied to activities related to nuclear fuel cycle, including reprocessing, mixed oxide fuel fabrication and monitoring of spent fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
