Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics

Nuclera Physics Department

On Friday, 7 October 2016 at 11.00 am in the Conference hall (3rd floor) of the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics a seminar “Nuclear forensics at IFIN-HH: science applied to law enforcement and nuclear security” will be held.

Speaker: A.I. Apostol (Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Bucharest-Magurele, Romania)

Abstract:

We live in the world where nuclear terrorism is an increasing threat, and according to Murphy’s law it’s just a matter of time when chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons will be used to cause unlimited harm to the society.

The presentation will describe the development of nuclear forensic science in IFIN-HH, the institute which is establishing first nuclear forensic laboratory of Romania. This facility will be used for analysis of nuclear material or radioactive sources or of evidence contaminated with radionuclides, in the context of legal proceedings under international or national law related to nuclear security. The experts from this laboratory will support the criminalization of radioactive material out of regulatory control and the effectiveness of a nuclear security infrastructure.

Nuclear material seized in illicit trafficking may originate from several sources. Nuclear forensic science allows by using signatures (chemical and physical characteristics of the seized material) and comparing those with reference data (national nuclear forensic library), to determine the origin, the intended use, the last legal owner and the smuggling route. This information is essential not only for the case investigations but also for preventing future thefts and proliferation of radioactive material. The real case study will be presented as well.