Safeguards Sensors and Systems: Past, Present, and Future

Sensors are a vital and critical element in measuring and monitoringsystems for technical safeguards approaches. Safeguardssensors have evolved from standalone analog devices to integrateddigital systems. Safeguards sensor technologies are a nichemarket that has been driven by other commercial and militarydemands and applications. Developers and manufacturers havesuccessfully adapted technologies of the day to be effective productsfor safeguards applications. In this paper commemoratingthe first fifty years of the International Atomic Energy Agencyand its role in the peaceful uses of atomic energy and internationalsafeguards, we highlight the evolution of sensor technologiesapplied to international safeguards. This history began withthe use of cameras and seals for containment and surveillance tomaintain continuity of knowledge on safeguarded materials andactivities. The current international safeguards norm is based ona combination of onsite verification measures and unattendedand remote measurement and monitoring systems. The near-termneed for detection of undeclared nuclear materials, facilities, andactivities will likely be addressed by the engineering developmentof several novel technologies. The long-range development ofsafeguards sensor systems will be shaped by research in materials,computing, and communication technologies.