Non-Proliferation Nuclear Forensics: Canadian Perspective

In this monograph, the authors provide an overview of Canada’s NF capability in addition to general aspects of the nuclear forensics that is useful for both nuclear forensic practitioners and for countries that are signatories to the Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty in establishing their NF capability. The authors summarize challenges that first responders face at crime scenes involving RN materials. Next, they describe the RN materials from the uranium fuel cycle in Canada that are most relevant to NF and a summary of their use and construction, possible NF signatures, and how those signatures were used in the Canadian exercise. Then there is an overview of selected NF laboratory methods, along with an important example of radiochronometric measurements. The importance of Certified Reference Materials specific for NF is described, along with the Canadian perspective. The Laboratory Network chapter provides the Canadian experience in establishing the nuclear forensic capability, while Nuclear Forensic Library chapter describes in general the need and establishment of the NNFL, with some details on the Canadian project. In the final chapter, the authors discuss the Canadian experience in using its nuclear forensic capability in two international exercises.