Abstract
Global concern for the illicit transportation and trafficking of nuclear materials and other radioactive sources is on the rise, with efficient and rapid security and non-proliferation technologies in more demand than ever. Many factors contribute to this issue, including the increasing number of terrorist cells, gaps in security networks, politically unstable states across the globe and the black-market trading of radioactive sources to unknown parties. The use of passive gamma-ray and neutron detection and imaging technologies in security-sensitive areas and ports has had more impact than most other techniques in detecting and deterring illicit transportation and trafficking of illegal radioactive materials. This work reviews and critically evaluates these techniques as currently utilised within national security and non-proliferation applications and proposes likely avenues of development.
Highlights
Due to the hazardous ionising and activating nature of neutron and gamma radiation, there is a requirement to control and monitor the radiological materials, which produce them
Illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and other radiological sources present a global threat that international organisations such as the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) are forced to tackle frequently [1,2]
Robust and efficient detection equipment and radiation detection systems stand on the front line of defence against the acts of illicit trafficking
Summary
Due to the hazardous ionising and activating nature of neutron and gamma radiation, there is a requirement to control and monitor the radiological materials, which produce them. Neutron and gamma-ray detection can directly lead to the identification of radiological sources in general, including nuclear materials. Of these incidents, 278 were associated with trafficking or malicious use of materials such as highly-enriched uranium, plutonium and plutonium–beryllium neutron sources [2]. 278 were associated with trafficking or malicious use of materials such as highly-enriched uranium, plutonium and plutonium–beryllium neutron sources [2] This issue highlights the importance of the effective control of nuclear and radiation materials at national and international cross points such as borders, ports and airports.
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