Detection of Nuclear Weapons and Materials: Science, Technologies, Observations

Medalia, Jonathan

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Nuclear weapons;    Nuclear weapons plants;    Nuclear weapons information;    Nuclear nonproliferation;   

RP-ID  :  R40154
RP-ID  :  R40154_2010Jun04

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The United States currently uses several types of nuclear detection equipment. All have significant shortcomings. Some work only at very short range; some cannot identify the material emitting radiation, which can lead to false alarms and interrupt commerce; some depend on operator skill, and may be defeated by a clever smuggler or a sleepy operator; and some are easily defeated by shielding. In an effort to overcome such problems, Congress has funded a pipeline of advanced-technology research, development, and acquisition. This report seeks to help Congress understand this technology. It discusses the science of detecting nuclear weapons and materials, describes nine advanced U.S. technologies selected to illustrate the range of projects in the pipeline, and offers observations for Congress.