Nuclear Forensics
Nuclear forensics is a key component of the Laboratory's mission
Contact Us
- Group Leader
- Craig Taylor
- Deputy Group Leader
- Lance Green
- Acting Deputy Group Leader
- Angela Olson
- Deputy Group Leader
- Stephen Willson
- Group Office
- (505) 667-4087
Actinide Analytical Chemistry supports nuclear forensics in a variety of ways
Nuclear forensics aids in the prevention of nuclear terrorism. Failing to do this enables the rapid attribution of a nuclear event. Actinide Analytical Chemistry supports this effort through collection, analysis, and evaluation of radiological and nuclear material in both pre-detonation and post-detonation scenarios. The group is vital to the Laboratory’s status as a Department of Homeland Security National Technical Nuclear Forensics Hub Laboratory.
The Lab was designated a hub-laboratory for pre-detonation nuclear forensics and has more recently been accredited for bulk nuclear material analysis, in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Analytical methods used: controlled potential coulometry, ICP-AES, gamma/beta/alpha spectrometry, TIMS, IDMS, ICPMS, DC-Arc, XRF, XRD, SEM, spectrophotometry.
