Nuclear forensics plays a crucial role in investigating incidents involving radioactive materials. From accidents to terrorist attacks, these cases require careful analysis to determine the source, spread, and impact of contamination.

Forensic techniques help attribute nuclear materials to their origins, supporting law enforcement and non-proliferation efforts. By examining environmental samples and material characteristics, experts can piece together the story behind nuclear incidents and illicit activities.

Nuclear Incidents

Accidents and Terrorist Attacks

• Nuclear accidents involve unintentional releases of radioactive material from nuclear facilities (Chernobyl, Fukushima Daiichi)
  • Can result from human error, equipment failure, or natural disasters
  • Lead to widespread environmental contamination and public health risks
• Terrorist incidents involve the deliberate use of nuclear or radiological materials to cause harm (dirty bombs)
  • Aim to create fear, panic, and disruption
  • May target high-profile locations or events to maximize impact
• Radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) spread radioactive material using conventional explosives
  • Do not involve a nuclear explosion but can contaminate large areas
  • Require less technical expertise and materials compared to nuclear weapons

Illicit Trafficking and Proliferation

• Illicit trafficking involves the unauthorized movement of nuclear or radiological materials across borders
  • Can include the smuggling of uranium, plutonium, or other radioactive sources
  • Enables the spread of nuclear materials to non-state actors or rogue states
• Proliferation activities aim to acquire, develop, or transfer nuclear weapons capabilities
  • May involve the diversion of materials from civilian nuclear programs
  • Can be facilitated by illicit networks or state-sponsored programs (A.Q. Khan network)
• Illicit activities pose significant challenges to nuclear security and non-proliferation efforts
  • Require international cooperation and intelligence sharing to detect and prevent

Forensic Analysis

Environmental Contamination

• Environmental contamination can occur due to nuclear incidents or illicit activities
  • Radioactive materials can spread through air, water, and soil
  • Can have long-lasting impacts on ecosystems and food chains
• Forensic analysis of environmental samples helps determine the nature and extent of contamination
  • Techniques include gamma spectrometry, alpha spectrometry, and mass spectrometry
  • Allows for the identification of specific radionuclides and their concentrations
• Environmental monitoring programs are crucial for detecting and responding to contamination events
  • Involve the collection and analysis of air, water, soil, and vegetation samples
  • Help assess public health risks and guide remediation efforts

Nuclear Attribution

• Nuclear attribution aims to identify the origin and history of nuclear materials
  • Involves the analysis of physical, chemical, and isotopic characteristics
  • Can provide insights into the production process, age, and intended use of materials
• Forensic techniques used in nuclear attribution include:
  • Isotope ratio analysis to determine the enrichment level and source of uranium
  • Impurity analysis to identify trace elements and production methods
  • Morphology analysis to examine the shape, size, and surface features of particles
• Nuclear attribution supports law enforcement investigations and non-proliferation efforts
  • Helps identify the sources of illicit materials and the actors involved
  • Contributes to the development of preventive measures and international safeguards