Optical detection of special nuclear materials: an alternative approach for standoff and remote sensing

J. Bruce Johnson; S. W. Reeve; W. A. Burns; Susan D. Allen

doi:10.1117/12.863835

5 May 2010 Optical detection of special nuclear materials: an alternative approach for standoff and remote sensing

J. Bruce Johnson, S. W. Reeve, W. A. Burns, Susan D. Allen

Proceedings Volume 7665, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XI; 76651L (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.863835
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2010, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Termed Special Nuclear Material (SNM) by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, fissile materials, such as ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu, are the primary components used to construct modern nuclear weapons. Detecting the clandestine presence of SNM represents an important capability for Homeland Security. An ideal SNM sensor must be able to detect fissile materials present at ppb levels, be able to distinguish between the source of the detected fissile material, i.e., ²³⁵U, ²³⁹Pu, ²³³U or other fission source, and be able to perform the discrimination in near real time. A sensor with such capabilities would provide not only rapid identification of a threat but, ultimately, information on the potential source of the threat. For example, current detection schemes for monitoring clandestine nuclear testing and nuclear fuel reprocessing to provide weapons grade fissile material rely largely on passive air sampling combined with a subsequent instrumental analysis or some type of wet chemical analysis of the collected material. It would be highly useful to have a noncontact method of measuring isotopes capable of providing forensic information rapidly at ppb levels of detection. Here we compare the use of Kr, Xe and I as "canary" species for distinguishing between ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu fission sources by spectroscopic methods.

Citation Download Citation

J. Bruce Johnson, S. W. Reeve, W. A. Burns, and Susan D. Allen "Optical detection of special nuclear materials: an alternative approach for standoff and remote sensing", Proc. SPIE 7665, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XI, 76651L (5 May 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.863835

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available