Nuclear Nonproliferation

INL operates unique assets to support a broad range of technology development, specialized technology testing and evaluation, and one-of-a-kind radiological trainings. INL provides technical resources, special nuclear materials, and several dedicated outdoor training ranges with access to short-lived radioactive materials that can be employed in support of support civilian and military programs.

INL has recruited top nonproliferation experts with real-world experience and backgrounds in nuclear facility inspection, modeling and simulation, material science, physics and engineering. These employees hold dozens of patents, have won numerous awards, and lead global nonproliferation programs.

Nuclear Nonproliferation Research

Nonproliferation and security experts play an important role in developing technology, policy, and systems for safeguarding and securing nuclear materials and facilities.

As a leader in the nuclear field historically, INL engineers have created detection technology and safeguards and security recommendations for worldwide application. Now, INL is working toward a future where nuclear facilities will be designed to be more efficient and effective at safeguards and protection. 

• Zero Power Physics Research facility is employed as a safeguarded nuclear facility with an internationally recognized research staff working to solve global nonproliferation challenges.
• The Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF) is a versatile modern hot-cell facility operated and maintained in support of post-irradiation examinations, spent fuel treatment, and characterization of contact-handled transuranic waste.
• Fuel Conditioning Facility (FCF) supports pyroprocessing, or pyrometallurgical treatment of spent nuclear fuel, as the principal alternative to aqueous reprocessing technology.
• The Fuel Manufacturing Facility (FMF) is a multiuse R&D facility developing new fuel types that incorporate proliferation-resistant characteristics and use new materials and alloys.
• Advanced Test Reactor Complex is the focal point for irradiation testing of nuclear fuels and materials technologies.
• Stand-off Experiment Range facilitates high-energy particle accelerator demonstrations.