# A physically cryptographic warhead verification system using neutron induced nuclear resonances

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel neutron resonance-based verification system that ensures warhead authenticity while protecting sensitive information, enhancing trust and scope in nuclear arms control treaties.

## Contribution

It presents the first experimental proof of a neutron resonance technique combining isotopic and geometric sensitivity with physical encryption for warhead verification.

## Key findings

- Feasibility demonstrated through experiments
- Sensitive to isotopic composition and geometry
- Provides encrypted information to prevent leakage

## Abstract

Arms control treaties are necessary to reduce the large stockpiles of the nuclear weapons that constitute one of the biggest dangers to the world. However, an impactful treaty hinges on effective inspection exercises to verify the participants' compliance to the treaty terms. Such procedures would require verification of the authenticity of a warhead undergoing dismantlement. Previously proposed solutions lacked the combination of isotopic sensitivity and information security. Here we present the experimental feasibility proof of a novel technique that uses neutron induced nuclear resonances and is sensitive to the combination of isotopics and geometry. The information is physically encrypted to prevent the leakage of sensitive information. Our approach can significantly increase the trustworthiness of future arms control treaties while expanding their scope to include the verified dismantlement of nuclear warheads themselves.