Prospective Features for Integration of Nuclear Forensics Capability in National Framework

Year
2017
Author(s)
Hiroshi Tamai - Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Ayako Okubo - Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Yoshiki Kimura - Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Nobuo Shinohara - Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Makiko Tazaki - Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Ryo Shimizu - Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Kazunori Suda - Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Hirofumi Tomikawa - Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Abstract
Nuclear forensics is a technical method used to find out the origin, history, etc. of nuclear materials or radio isotopes which have been seized or collected by the investigative authorities for supporting judicial procedures. Those materials are analysed to identify their signatures such as isotopic composition, particle shape, age of U/Pu, and impurities contained; then the signatures are compared with the nuclear materials or radio isotopes database accumulated from various phases of nuclear fuel cycle. For the proper prosecution or assessment, it is essential to ensure the data interpretation and reliability in the whole process of nuclear forensics analysis, which is called as \"Chain of Custody\". In order to establish the Chain of Custody, national response plan should be required in which not only sample management but also framework and collaboration of relevant authorities are well defined. In the IAEA’s guideline for national response plan, conditions of nuclear forensics laboratory such as installation of analytical equipment, technical criteria at international quality level and interface with prosecution authority are described. For example, extra care for protection and preservation of evidence sample during the transportation and storage facilities; sharing knowledge and minimization of perception gap in the collaboration of nuclear and traditional forensics analyses, etc. It would be effective to conduct integrated exercise and training among relevant authorities and experts. On the other hand, there's no standard or model for nuclear forensics library, thus the each country should construct its library in own way. In acquiring the database there might exist a barrier of patent or intellectual property rights so that much consideration is necessary for data collection and management system. Here, nuclear forensics library is categorized in i) Unification-type, ii) Distribution-type, and iii) Alternative-type, based on the authentication and operation of data management. Extended scope of inter-national cooperation will be helpful for the reginal preparedness for development of nuclear forensics capability.