Nuclear Forensics
Definition
The analysis of nuclear or other radioactive material and related evidence to determine the material's origin, history, and intended use. Uses isotope-ratio mass spectrometry, gamma spectrometry, and reactor-physics modelling to trace radionuclides to their production source. Applied in the Litvinenko investigation to trace the Po-210 to its Russian reactor origin.
- Core techniques
- Isotope-ratio mass spectrometry, gamma spectrometry, reactor-physics modelling
- Goal
- Attribute origin, history and intended use of nuclear/radioactive material
- Key case
- Litvinenko poisoning, Po-210 traced to Russian reactor origin
- Also called
- Nuclear attribution
Common questions
What is the difference between nuclear forensics and radiological safety monitoring?+
Radiological safety monitoring measures dose and contamination to protect people, while nuclear forensics analyses the material itself, its isotopic composition, physical form and production signatures, to determine where it came from and who handled it, supporting attribution and prosecution.
What isotopic signatures do nuclear forensic scientists look for?+
Analysts examine isotope ratios such as enrichment level of uranium-235 to uranium-238, plutonium isotope ratios that indicate reactor burnup, and trace impurities left by a specific production or enrichment process, each of which narrows the pool of possible source facilities.
Why was gamma spectrometry central to the Litvinenko investigation?+
Gamma spectrometry identifies radionuclides by the characteristic energy of gamma rays they emit without destroying the sample, allowing investigators to confirm polonium-210 contamination on surfaces and trace its movement through London locations while the material remained hazardous to handle directly.
Related terms
- Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibition
- The primary mechanism of toxicity for all organophosphate nerve agents, including sarin, VX, and Novichok compounds. The agent phosphorylates the serine residue...
- Alpha Spectrometry
- An analytical technique for measuring the energy spectrum of alpha particles emitted by radionuclides. Used in the Litvinenko investigation to detect and...
- Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
- The international treaty prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, in force since 1997 with 193 states parties. Implemented...
- DRDE Gwalior
- The Defence Research and Development Establishment in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The primary national laboratory for chemical agent detection, characterisation, and protective...
- IMPA (Isopropyl Methylphosphonic Acid)
- The primary hydrolysis product of sarin (GB). Detected in urine of sarin-exposed individuals and in environmental matrices by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The...
- Novichok
- A class of organophosphate nerve agents developed under the Soviet Union's Foliant programme, structurally distinct from G-series (sarin, tabun, soman) and V-series...
- OPCW Designated Laboratory
- A laboratory authorised by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to conduct official CWC verification analysis. Must pass biennial proficiency...
- Polonium-210 (Po-210)
- An alpha-emitting radionuclide (half-life 138.4 days) produced by neutron bombardment of bismuth-209. Used as the weapon in the Litvinenko murder. Detectable at...
- Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)
- A device that combines conventional explosive with radioactive material, intended to disperse radioactive contamination over an area. Often called a 'dirty bomb.'...