Journal Published Online: 01 May 1998
Volume 43, Issue 3

Forensic Analyses of Suspect Illicit Nuclear Material

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A small metal sample, alleged to be a substance that could substitute for highly enriched uranium in a nuclear weapon, was subjected to qualitative and quantitative forensic analyses using methods of materials science, radioisotopic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. The specimen was determined to be moderately pure Sc, likely derived from a uranium refining operation. Although no fissionable species or weaponization signatures were detected, the sample did exhibit some unusual properties. These anomalies included lanthanide fractionation, with concentrations of Dy, Ho, and Er elevated by factors greater than 100 over normal levels, and the presence of long, odd-chain fatty acids.

Author Information

Grant, PM
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Moody, KJ
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Hutcheon, ID
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Phinney, DL
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Haas, JS
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Volpe, AM
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Oldani, JJ
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Whipple, RE
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Stoyer, N
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Alcaraz, A
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Andrews, JE
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Russo, RE
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Klunder, GL
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Andresen, BD
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Cantlin, S
Forensic Science Center, L-178, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS16201J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS16201J