Nuclear forensics using gamma-ray spectroscopy

TL;DR

This paper discusses the application of gamma-ray spectroscopy in nuclear forensics, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying nuclear materials, analyzing nuclear explosion yields, and tracking nuclear fallout.

Contribution

It showcases the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy for various nuclear forensic applications, including plutonium identification, nuclear explosion yield measurement, and fallout detection.

Findings

Identified the first weighable plutonium sample

Measured Trinity nuclear explosion yield

Observed Fukushima fallout in the U.S.

Abstract

Much of George Dracoulis's research career was devoted to utilizing gamma-ray spectroscopy in fundamental studies in nuclear physics. This same technology is useful in a wide range of applications in the area of nuclear forensics. Over the past several years, our research group has made use of both high- and low- resolution gamma ray spectrometers to: identify the first sample of plutonium large enough to be weighed; determine the yield of the Trinity nuclear explosion; measure fission fragment yields as a function of target nucleus and neutron energy; and observe fallout in the U. S. from the Fukushima nuclear reactor accident.