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Turning a nuclear spotlight on illegal weapons material
October 30, 2006Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have demonstrated that they can cheaply, quickly and accurately identify even subnanogram amounts of weapon-grade plutonium and uranium. Their work was presented in September at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society.*
Worldwide, most nuclear facilities generate electricity or produce neutrons for peaceful research-but they also can create materials for nuclear weapons. International inspectors routinely tour such facilities, taking cloth wipe samples of equipment surfaces for forensic analysis of any potential weapon-grade materials in suspicious locations. In particular, they search for specific uranium or plutonium isotopes capable of setting off a nuclear explosion.
NIST chemists working at the NIST Center for Neutron Research have applied a highly sensitive technique called delayed neutron activation analysis to improve such efforts, the NIST and ORNL researchers report. The center includes a specially designed research neutron source, which bathes material samples with low-energy neutrons. Next, those samples rapidly go into a barrel-shaped instrument, embedded with neutron detectors, which precisely count the neutrons emitted over a short period of time. The neutron count acts as a unique signature of special nuclear material. In their study, the scientists used this technique to successfully identify trace amounts of uranium-235 and plutonium-239 in less than three minutes.
"We're emphasizing the technique now because world events have made it more critical to detect traces of nuclear materials, which is technically very challenging," says analytical chemist Richard Lindstrom, co-author of the ACS presentation. This tool also complements a variety of other sophisticated methods used by NIST researchers working on homeland security.
The low detection levels are due in part to the use of the NIST neutron source, which is particularly well designed for this task. The technique can detect weapon-grade material just four microns in diameter-less than a tenth the size of a human hair. The technique could be used to find subtle, lingering radioactive material in samples taken during inspection of trucks or cargo shipping containers, for instance. Beyond forensics, NIST uses the technique for measurements of isotopes in research and for industrial projects. The team is now working to automate the counting instrument and simplifying its operation for rapidly handling large batches of samples.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
"We're emphasizing the technique now because world events have made it more critical to detect traces of nuclear materials, which is technically very challenging," says analytical chemist Richard Lindstrom, co-author of the ACS presentation. This tool also complements a variety of other sophisticated methods used by NIST researchers working on homeland security.
The low detection levels are due in part to the use of the NIST neutron source, which is particularly well designed for this task. The technique can detect weapon-grade material just four microns in diameter-less than a tenth the size of a human hair. The technique could be used to find subtle, lingering radioactive material in samples taken during inspection of trucks or cargo shipping containers, for instance. Beyond forensics, NIST uses the technique for measurements of isotopes in research and for industrial projects. The team is now working to automate the counting instrument and simplifying its operation for rapidly handling large batches of samples.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Nuclear Material Current Events and Nuclear Material News RSSNew breast imaging technology targets hard-to-detect cancers
Breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) is effective in the detection of cancers not found on mammograms or by clinical exam, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
Putting the squeeze on nitrogen for high energy materials
Nitrogen atoms like to travel in pairs, hooked together by one of the strongest chemical bonds in nature. By subjecting nitrogen molecules to extreme temperatures and pressures scientists are getting a new understanding of not only nitrogen but other similar molecules, including hydrogen.
A new window on the universe
Using new tools to look at the universe, says Patrick Brady, often has led to discoveries that change the course of science. History is full of examples.
Antioxidants could provide all-purpose radiation protection
Two common dietary molecules found in legumes and bran could protect DNA from the harmful effects of radiation, researchers from the University of Maryland report. Inositol and inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) protected both human skin cells and a skin cancer-prone mouse from exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, the damaging radiation found in sunlight.
Nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin associated with reduced risk for age-related eye disease
Consuming higher levels of the yellow plant pigments lutein and zeaxanthin may be associated with a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration.
Mice cloned from skin cells
Healthy and viable mice that survive until adulthood have, for the first time, been cloned from adult stem cells. Scientists from Rockefeller University, including Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator Elaine Fuchs, used cells called keratinocyte stem cells, which represent a new model system for cloning.
Sandia computer simulation monitors traffic in contraband nuclear material
A Sandia National Laboratories researcher has developed a simulation program designed to track the illicit trade in fissile and nonfissile radiological material well enough to predict who is building the next nuclear weapon and where they are doing it.
Researchers find Amchitka seafood safe for now
An independent consortium of university-based environmental scientists announced today the results from three 2004 expeditions to Amchitka Island in the western Aleutians to assess radionuclides in that marine environment.
Nuclear Research helps Safeguard our future: Fighting illegal nuclear trafficking & Passing on Expertise to Future Generations Of Scientists - Press Event 16-17/10/2003, Karlsruhe, Germany
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre plays a key role in detecting, fingerprinting, and tracking down nuclear materials across Europe - and beyond. It therefore contributes to the fight against nuclear smuggling and nuclear prolifera-tion, in co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). But the JRC also manages projects for nuclear waste management, radiation protection, and other nuclear-related activities. The JRC is offering journalists, on 16th & 17th October, a comprehensive media briefing on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Institute for Transuranium Elements. Encompassing expert presentations and a workshop on a range of nuclear research-relat
30 Years of European R&D for Reliable and Effective Nuclear Material Control
Controlling nuclear materials to ensure that they are not diverted from peaceful intent into nuclear weapons use or unknown purposes is and will continue to be a vital political and technical matter at National, European and Global scales. A control system, called "Safeguards", which consists of accounting, reporting, and verification by applying i.e. destructive and non-destructive analysis for nuclear material, the use of seals and surveillance cameras etc. has been designed and implemented to control and monitor declared nuclear materials used for peaceful purposes for many years.
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Nuclear Atom Italian Charms by Pugster Show off your interest in science with this Pugster Nuclear Atom Enamel Italian charm. This enamel charm features an atom model with red protons and electrons surrounding it on a green background. Perfect for science minded people. Crafted of the finest stainless steel with soldered faces (as opposed to less durable glue), these charms are sure to be a hit as you build your Italian charms bracelet. Crafted and authenticated by Pugster (TM) Inc., these Pugster Nuclear Atom Enamel Italian charms are available for both retail and wholesale purchase in our store and are compatible with Italian charms from all major brands.var rf = document.referrer;document.write(''); |
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SEPTLS44251270 - N-7000 High Purity Anti-Seize, Metal Free by Loctite Metal-free formulation provides high levels of purity and excellent lubricating properties For Class 1, 2, and 3 power plant hardware Capacity Wt. = 1 lb Packing Type = Can Temp. Range = 2400.0 F [Max] Color = Silver Specific Gravity = 1.1687 Chemical Compound = Graphite Odor = Grease Physical Form = Paste or Gel Resistance = Chemical Type = Anti-Seize Lubricant |
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