Current status of AWE programmes for remote detection of SNM

AWE has recently commenced a research programme to develop techniques for the remote detection of illicitly trafficked, special nuclear material. The result of a review of potential techniques to remotely detect special nuclear material (SNM) conducted by AWE has stimulated a programme at AWE to further investigate four remote detection techniques. These are a photonuclear based and a neutron based active interrogation technique, the use of nuclear resonance fluorescence and cosmic ray muon scattering tomography. The current status of work in the development of these techniques is presented with particular emphasis on the photonuclear and neutron techniques. Developments in physics modeling capabilities, active source technologies, detector technologies and data fusion and analysis approaches are summarised for each technique where applicable. Particular attention is given to the development of high current, pulsed power based, active interrogation sources for remote detection of SNM. Potential technologies for active source technology are discussed and requirements for further technology developments in this area are presented