NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE DETECTION OF UNDECLARED NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES

Implementation of IAEA safeguards has changed considerably over the past 15 years as a result of the changing international situation. Early detection of undeclared facilities, activities and materials requires new approaches, supplemented by technologies that differ significantly from those used traditionally for on-site verification. In this framework, the project Novel Techniques and Instruments for Detection of Undeclared Nuclear Materials and Activities was established within the Department of Safeguards to identify specific needs in this area and to initiate the necessary research and development of techniques and instruments that will be used for the implementation of IAEA inspection and safeguards regimes. Techniques, based on the detection of emanations associated with nuclear processes, are being investigated. These include the sampling and monitoring of specific solid, liquid and gaseous materials to provide new methods and approaches for the detection of undeclared nuclear activities from distances ranging from hundreds of meters to many kilometres. For example, laser-based methods have demonstrated real-time monitoring of atmospheric materials, on-site chemical analysis and the capability of detecting a previous exposure to ionising radiation. On the basis of IAEA priorities and resources, a limited number of projects have been selected and cooperation with Member States has been initiated to take technologies to the maturity level needed for field use. This paper will introduce the novel technologies project and describe some of the techniques and instruments currently under consideration by the Department of Safeguards for the detection and presence of undeclared nuclear materials and activities.