NWIS SIGNATURES FOR IDENTIFICATION OF WEAPONS COMPONENTS AT THE OAK RIDGE Y-12 PLANT

Nuclear weapons identification system (NWIS) signatures have recently been used for confirmation of nuclear weapons components in storage at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant. The fact that some of the signatures are not sensitive to background radiation changes make NWIS very useful for storage configurations. These confirmations have shown that NWIS is practical for use in large storage arrays and has resolved an Inspector General’s audit finding with regard to confirmation of items in storage arrays at the Y-12 Plant. Further development of NWIS for increased portability and lower power consumption will make it more useful for these applications.