Nuclear Forensic Science: Analysis of Nuclear Material Out of Regulatory Control

TLDR

Nuclear forensic science identifies the origin of nuclear materials outside regulatory control and is increasingly seen as essential to robust nuclear security. This review highlights active, evolving research in nuclear forensics, focusing on analytical techniques from Earth and planetary sciences. The review discusses analytical techniques applied to uranium ore concentrates, the development of chronometric age‑dating methods using multiple radioisotopic systems, and casework studies to illustrate current scientific practice. Uranium ore concentrates are attractive targets because of their impurity richness, and chronometric age‑dating methods have improved accuracy through multi‑radioisotope measurements.

Abstract

Nuclear forensic science seeks to identify the origin of nuclear materials found outside regulatory control. It is increasingly recognized as an integral part of a robust nuclear security program. This review highlights areas of active, evolving research in nuclear forensics, with a focus on analytical techniques commonly employed in Earth and planetary sciences. Applications of nuclear forensics to uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) are discussed first. UOCs have become an attractive target for nuclear forensic researchers because of the richness in impurities compared to materials produced later in the fuel cycle. The development of chronometric methods for age dating nuclear materials is then discussed, with an emphasis on improvements in accuracy that have been gained from measurements of multiple radioisotopic systems. Finally, papers that report on casework are reviewed, to provide a window into current scientific practice.