Chapter 11: Research reactor support for nuclear forensics studies and the development of a companion graduate course
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Published:08 Dec 2023
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Special Collection: 2023 ebook collection
S. Landsberger and D. Haas, in Environmental Radiochemical Analysis VII, ed. N. Evans, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2023, vol. 357, ch. 11, pp. 117-124.
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The term nuclear forensics encompasses the detection and analysis of nuclear materials before they are used in a weapon, the analysis of radioactive debris following a nuclear event or the investigation of the pedigree of nuclear materials in non-proliferation. Nuclear forensics typically encompasses these three main broad areas: radiochemistry, chemical instrumentation and non-destructive techniques (typically gamma-ray spectrometry). Research reactors (10kW – 10MW) are a great resource to perform research and development in nuclear forensics as well as in the critical need of education. Research reactors' ability to produce isotopes in small or large amounts means that researchers have a unique source of material for nuclear forensics studies. A graduate course in nuclear forensics was developed as a companion to a research project with a grant through the US Department of Homeland Security. Besides the usual lectures on the basics of nuclear phenomena, a successful effort was made to include a significant amount of historical background. In addition, several guest lecturers from national laboratories and universities were added to the curriculum, resulting in a more meaningful and current course. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all the laboratories were virtually delivered in both fully remote and hybrid modes across several semesters.