Abstract

Detection of Nuclear Threats at Borders

Countries around the world are deploying radiation detection instrumentation to interdict the illegal shipment of radioactive material crossing international borders at land, rail, air, and sea ports of entry. These efforts include deployments in the US and a number of European and Asian countries by governments and international agencies. Items of concern include radiation dispersal devices, nuclear warheads, and special nuclear material.  Radiation portal monitors (RPMs) are used as the main screening tool for vehicles and cargo at borders, supplemented by handheld detectors, personal radiation detectors, and x-ray imaging systems. Individuals with nuclear medical treatments and cargo containing naturally occurring radioactive material trigger “nuisance” alarms in RPMs at these border crossings. The operational impact of nuisance alarms can be significant at border crossings. Methods have been developed for reducing this impact without negatively affecting the requirements for interdiction of radioactive materials of interest. This talk discusses the experience to date on interdiction of radioactive materials at international borders.

Come meet the speaker over coffee and refreshments from 3:45-4:10 pm in the foyer on floor G above the lecture hall.   All Welcome.  Host: Chuanwei Zhang