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and expert consultation, enabling Methodologies

systematic evidence collection and
And Techniques
interpretation- critical for both

national and international security.
Nuclear forensics uses a mix of destructive
PRINCIPLES AND CORE and non-destructive techniques

CONCEPTS Mass spectrometry techniques
1.Thermal ionization MS (TIMS):

This discipline rests on three pillars: Ideal for precise isotopic analysis
but labour-intensive preparation.
Material signatures- intrinsic 2.Multi-collector inductively coupled

properties like isotopic ratios, plasma MS (MC-ICP-MS):
trace elements, and Faster, simultaneously measures

microstructural features act as a multiple isotopes, but requires
unique “fingerprint” for nuclear meticulous sample preparation

material. and stable equipment.

Chain of custody- secure evidence Neutron activation analysis (NAA):
handling from collection to court Enables non-destructive, multi-element
ensures integrity and quantification across various sample

admissibility. types. While accurate, it renders samples
radioactive post-analysis and relies on

Interdisciplinary approach- limited reactor factor access.
scientists, law enforcement, and
Gamma ray spectroscopy: An effective
legal experts work together to
tool for detecting isotopes like ^232U,
interpret results in a security and
revealing the history of irradiation or
judicial context.
reprocessing, crucial for source

attribution.

Case Studies Of
Advanced imaging and resonance
techniques: Emerging methods such as
Nuclear
combined nuclear resonance
Forensics fluorescence imaging and muon

tomography allow rapid, non-invasive
Georgia HEU Smuggling Incidents identification and localization of
(2003 & 2006) concealed nuclear materials.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union