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New tech for detecting smuggled nukes
Physicists have discovered a new signature characteristic of radiation that could be used to detect the gamma ray emissions of smuggled illegal nuclear materials, even if they are concealed among large bundles of shipping containers.... "We have identified a new radiation signature, unique to fissionable material, that exploits high-energy, fission-product, beta-delayed, gamma ray emissions," said lead researcher Thomas Gosnell. "Fortunately, this signature is robust in that it is very distinct compared to normal background radiation, where there are no comparable high-energy gamma rays." In other words, using the right type of detector, inspectors would be able to see through containerized cargo and determine if any of it contains illicit nuclear material. Hence, terrorists would not be able to bury their ill-gotten booty in a crowd. Sweet. Posted by: Damn_Proud_American 2004-05-04 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=32222 |