Use of Solid-State Heat-Flow Sensors for Transparency Measurements

The feasibility of using solid-state thermopiles for confirmation measurements of nuclear weapons components in a storage container will be presented. Commercially produced thermopiles are used to sample the heat flux on the surface of a storage container confirming the presence of heatproducing material. This technique can be used in arms control applications in a START III verification regime to generate a heat signature based on the heat produced by plutonium weapons components. The measurement of heat from plutonium pits described here has the potential to identify individual weapons components without revealing sensitive information. The portability and simplicity of the proposed heat-signature system would make it possible to measure items without moving the containers. The results from making precise measurements of heat signatures, including measurement conditions, will be presented. Technical considerations for different implementation strategies will also be discussed.