A chemical weapon inspection system using energetic photons

A novel technique for chemical weapon inspection and verification has been devised, that is simple, straightforward, nonintrusive, and cost effective. The technique uses energetic photons to induce nuclear reactions, in the nuclei of the elements (chlorine and phosphorus) which comprise chemical weapon agents. The daughter nuclei resulting from the ( gamma ,n) reaction decay with characteristic half-lives that are unique. Signal strength calculations indicate that a portable, chemical weapon inspection system can be assembled using readily available technology. The technique is especially safe because identification is made without physically moving or opening the weapon.<>