Integrated Entry Control Checkpoint for Nuclear Material and Explosives Detection

Personnel are screened when entering or exiting nuclear materials handling areas to prevent unauthorized access, theft of nuclear material, and sabotage. Recent terrorist events have highlighted the importance of protecting nuclear materials. For several years, Sandia has investigated integrating entry control with explosives detection for automated screening at such high security facilities. The previous work has focused on improving automation and explosives detection capabilities. Radiation monitoring hardware was added to an integrated checkpoint prototype, and the implications for screening personnel at nuclear facilities are discussed. Radiation monitors typically screen those exiting the facility for nuclear material to prevent theft. However, the same checkpoint could also detect dispersal devices entering a facility, especially if the explosives charge is large or the radioactive material is poorly shielded. The prototype combines entry control (badge swipe, PIN, and hand geometry) with contraband detection (radioactive material and trace explosives) in a single automated booth. Screening time is 25 seconds.