| ID | 072884 |
| Title Proper | Deterrence of nuclear terrorism with mobile radiation detectors |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Srikrishna, Devabhaktuni ; Chari, A Narasimha ; Tisch, Thomas |
| Publication | 2005. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The United States has multiple nuclear detection initiatives to secure against a terrorist nuclear attack, including the Container Security Initiative, installation of radiation detectors at U.S. border points of entry, and establishment of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). The current nuclear detection system architecture falls short of being able to reliably catch fissile nuclear material in transit, specifically shielded Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) and Plutonium (Pu), both within the US and abroad. Checkpoints at border crossings can be circumvented, and no adequate system is under development to deter the transport of fissile materials. Using nuclear link-budget calculations, we show why a network relying primarily on handhelds, fixed detectors, and portals is not sufficient. We examine the technical, economic, and operational feasibility of a comprehensive national network incorporating in-vehicle detectors to reliably detect and deter the transport of fissile material inside the vehicle itself. |
| `In' analytical Note | Nonproliferation Review Vol. 12, No. 3; Nov 2005: p573-614 |
| Journal Source | Nonproliferation Review Vol: 12 No 3 |
| Key Words | Nuclear Terrorism ; Weapons of Mass Destruction ; Nuclear Detection ; Deterrence ; Container Security Initiative ; Fissile Material ; Uranium ; Plutonium ; United States |