Investigation of the Applicability of Safeguards Technologies to Evolving Arms Control and Nonproliferation Scenarios

Year
1992
Author(s)
D.G. Langner - Los Alamos National Laboratory
H.O. Menlove - Los Alamos National Laboratory
N. Ensslin - Los Alamos National Laboratory
H.A. Smith - Los Alamos National Laboratory
M. S. Krick - Los Alamos National Laboratory
G.E. Bosler. - Los Alamos National Laboratory
K.E. Apt - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Abstract
PAPER NOT AVAILABLE. ABSTRACT: hstablished nuclear safeguards technologies can play an important role in arms control and non-proliferation, both in assessing the progress and status of arms reduction agreements and in safeguarding nuclear material that accumulates from such activities. We are investigating the feasibility of using neutron signatures from special nuclear material (SNM) to characterize weapons assemblies, components, or SNM at varying stages in a verification or monitoring process. We will study the ability of passive neutron multiplicity techniques (inducting conventional neutron coincidence counting) to provide (a) a confirmatory signature or flag, depending on the size of the item and its neutron scattering and moderation effects; (b) a usable qualitative (attribute) measurement; and (c) a quantitative assay of treaty-limited, fissile, or fissioning materials. Data from measurements on simulated items and representative SNM samples will be presented. This presentation will also address issues such as (a) effects of odier materials on the radiation signals and (b) degree of verification achievable under various conditions.