Year
2016
Abstract
Argonne National Laboratory has an active and growing safeguards research and analysis program which integrates more than seventy years of technical and policy expertise to develop innovative solutions to emerging safeguards challenges ranging from detecting undeclared nuclear activities to monitoring sensitive fuel cycle processes to addressing insider threats to developing rapid, portable field sample analysis. Enabling capabilities include extensive nuclear fuel cycle expertise in research and power reactors, aqueous reprocessing, and pyroprocessing; advanced modeling and simulation of fuel cycle and other systems; vulnerability assessments of physical security and nuclear safeguards devices and systems; analysis of nuclear and nuclear-related dual-use trade as potential indicators of nuclear activities; unique systems for monitoring nuclear material security and nuclear trafficking; recognized expertise and leadership in Additional Protocol implementation; and expertise in nuclear proliferation resistance evaluation. Argonne employs these capabilities in support of the NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation’s Office of Research and Development Proliferation Detection and Office of Nonproliferation and Arms Control International Nuclear Safeguards five focus areas: policy and outreach; concepts and approaches; technology development; human resources; and international engagement. Argonne’s past work includes examination of process monitoring for pyroprocessing and aqueous reprocessing, exploring safeguards approaches to very long term storage of spent fuel, and vulnerability assessments on over 1000 different security and safeguards devices, systems, and programs, including for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and EURATOM. Additionally, Argonne provides training to the IAEA through the auspices of the U.S. Support Program for International Safeguards. Argonne is a designated IAEA training lab and coordinates IAEA training on nuclear security topics. Argonne is well positioned for the future to support IAEA efforts to develop methodologies for information analysis for state level safeguards, to incorporate safeguards by design in advanced fuel cycle facilities, and to develop novel monitoring systems, tags and seals. This paper will provide an overview of the suite of capabilities Argonne has developed in support of international safeguards, how Argonne’s capabilities are being leveraged to address emerging safeguards challenges, and opportunities for students and collaborators.