CESIUM IRRADIATOR IN-DEVICE DELAY SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS

In May 2004 the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration established the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI). The goal of GTRI's efforts is to protect nuclear and radiological materials from theft, diversion or sabotage by denying terrorists access to the means for constructing a nuclear or radiological weapon. This paper describes the Cesium Irradiator In-Device Delay (IDD) Security Enhancement program, a cooperative effort GTRI is leading in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and major irradiator manufacturers, with the support of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Organization of Agreement States, and the private sector. This paper will outline the credible threat posed by irradiators containing large quantities of radioactive cesium chloride, and the pilot and national implementation programs to install security enhancements on these irradiators. The paper will also review lessons learned, plans for expansion and how the IDD program is tied into GTRI's overall domestic material protection program.