Radiochemistry and Nuclear Measurements
Advancing nuclear forensics and detection technologies
The Idaho National Laboratory plays a critical role in national and global nuclear security through its advanced nuclear forensics and trace detection capabilities. These efforts support the U.S. government’s ability to respond to nuclear threats, investigate incidents and deter adversaries through attribution and accountability.
The team develops and deploys advanced radiation detection and measurement technologies to support global nuclear security. These capabilities enable safeguards innovation, ultra-trace detection and signature analysis critical to treaty verification, emergency response and fuel cycle monitoring.
Nuclear forensics and trace detection
National technical nuclear forensics
INL supports the U.S. government’s National Technical Nuclear Forensics program, which provides technical expertise in the event of a nuclear detonation.
- Participates in Department of Energy forensics operations, with teams trained to deploy globally for debris collection and analysis
- Supports interagency exercises like Prominent Hunt, simulating post-detonation response with FBI and Department of War partners
- Engages in international research and development, collaboration and training
- Contributes to the International Monitoring System through testing and maintenance of global nuclear explosion monitoring stations
Post-detonation fallout collection and analysis
The nuclear nonproliferation team leads field exercises to simulate nuclear fallout collection and analysis, ensuring readiness for real scenarios.
- Hosts hands-on training at its 890-square-mile desert site, ideal for realistic, secure exercises
- Uses simulated radioactive debris to train teams in collection, screening and packaging techniques
Ultra-trace analysis and radiochemistry
INL’s analytical chemistry capabilities have evolved into a world-class platform for ultra-trace detection and nuclear forensics.
- Supports detection of trace nuclear materials for safeguards, emergency response and forensic analysis
- Employs advanced techniques such as gamma ray spectrometry and post-irradiation examination
- Contributes to international standards development and nuclear material characterization
The Radiochemistry and Nuclear Measurements team develops and applies cutting-edge technologies for detecting and characterizing radioactive materials.
- Develops novel rapid radiochemical separation methods for isolating key isotopes for nuclear forensic applications
- Specializes in ultra trace isotope mass spectrometry, gamma-ray spectrometry and activation analysis
Radiation measurements and systems
Advanced safeguards technology development
INL’s operational experience with both aqueous and pyrochemical reprocessing facilities positions it as a national leader in safeguards innovation.
- The only U.S. national lab to operate both aqueous and pyrochemical reprocessing facilities
- Leverages separations expertise and specialized facilities to develop and test next-generation safeguards technologies
- Develops tools like Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy and Tripwire for field detection of nuclear and radiological threats.
Nuclear signature development
INL develops and applies advanced techniques to identify nuclear signatures that support treaty verification and nonproliferation monitoring.
- Uses high-resolution mass spectrometry and radiochemical methods to detect and characterize nuclear signatures
- Supports assessment of treaty compliance and detection of undeclared nuclear activities
- Supports active neutron interrogation to detect explosives and special nuclear materials
Fuel cycle research and safeguards test bed
INL is building new test beds to support research, training and demonstration of innovative safeguards and security systems.
- Attracts and trains the next generation of experts in fuel cycle, nonproliferation and waste management
- Enables hands-on experimentation with safeguards for advanced reactors and fuel cycles
- Supports national security objectives through integrated system validation and demonstration
Radiochemistry and Nuclear Measurement Tools
Technical Nuclear Forensics
Technical Nuclear Forensics is an essential element of the United States’ strategy to deter nuclear terrorism. Because a hostile government could help terrorists execute a nuclear attack, determining the origin of material used in a nuclear device allows the United States to credibly threaten reprisal against a state complicit in an act of nuclear terrorism.
Field training and exercises
Nuclear forensics training events provide an opportunity for scientists and security experts to practice the tactics, techniques and procedures they would employ following a nuclear detonation event.
INL regularly hosts nuclear forensics training and exercise events at the lab’s expansive 890-square-mile desert Site. These exercises bring over 50 participants from DOE, other national laboratories and foreign governments. INL also supplies radioactive and nonradioactive materials and support for other laboratory exercises in the U.S. and abroad.
Applied Radiation Measurements and Systems
INL researchers developed this technology using scintillating fibers to detect radiation over long distances.
As nations around look to store nuclear waste in underground geological repositories, they need technologies to safeguard the material. One new technology for this effort is Tripwire.
Tripwire is a multisensory system approach for geological spent nuclear fuel repositories that relies on radiation, vibration and electromagnetic detection. This technology can be useful for detection in:
- Nuclear waste repositories
- Nuclear material storage facilities
- Spent fuel dry storage areas
- Inaccessible areas at reactors and reprocessing facilities
- Radiation-generating research facilities
- Medical radioisotope production facilities
- Medical irradiation therapy facilities and other similar areas
Trace Analysis
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty bans nuclear explosions in all environments. The treaty establishes a global system of monitoring stations, known as the International Monitoring System (IMS), to detect nuclear explosions.
The IMS monitors for certain radioactive isotopes, and Idaho National Laboratory’s nonproliferation expertise is crucial for testing and maintaining this global nuclear explosion monitoring system.
Photonuclear Reactions for Isotope Production and Nuclear Science
Radioactive isotopes are used in a variety of applications including geologic science, blood irradiation, cancer therapy, fundamental nuclear science and technical nuclear forensics. These applications depend on the ability to abundantly and easily produce specific isotopes or combinations of isotopes. Common methods for radionuclide production include neutron irradiation in a nuclear reactor or activation in a charged particle accelerator. Idaho National Laboratory has helped mature the ability to produce radioisotopes via photo-induced nuclear reactions, which provide a cheaper method to produce uranium fission products and carrier-free radionuclides without a high flux neutron source.
Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy System
The Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy System, or PINS, provides an effective and efficient way to detect dangerous materials. The technology provides real-time detection and analysis of samples in the field.
Weapons of mass destruction threaten national security and public safety. PINS was developed to detect and assess chemical warfare agents. PINS’ main use is on recovered munitions, i.e., items that have turned up in the environment through remediation, repurposing or other commercial activities. As munitions are recovered these weapons cause a severe safety hazard due to their age, lack of records or documentation, and the degradation of materials inside.
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