Neutron Radiographic Techniques for Nuclear Arms Control Applications

Abstract

The verification of nuclear arms control agreements is likely to entail provisions for detection, identification, and imaging of objects that are known to have or might contain fissile masses. Determining the number of nuclear warheads in a MIRV or finding out whether a cruise missile has a nuclear or conventional war head are examples. To do so requires tech-niques that make use of either inherent radiation associated with fissile materials used in weapons or their interrogation with external sources. Because of the possibility of evasive measures, some application of more intrusive active interroga-tion techniques might be necessary, in which case the minimum delivery of radiation doses would be preferred or mandated. Fast neutrons are most promising for interrogation because of their penetrability and because of the distinctive character-istic radiation that can be induced in the object being inspected. The information that is collected, which might include a radiograph, must be tailored to the situation, providing neither too much nor too little information. These and other requirements that are public information are examined, particularly as they relate to potential terrestrial and space applications.

Work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Technology Support Program, under Contract W-31-109-Eng-38.