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.
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.'...
Explained in
- CWA, Dirty Bomb and RDD Investigative ReadinessThe analysis of nuclear or other radioactive material and related evidence to determine the material's origin, history, and intended use. Uses isotope-ratio ma...