Role of Nuclear Forensics in Preparedness and Response in Radiation Emergencies

The primary objective of nuclear forensic investigations is to trace the origin of materials present at nuclear/radiological emergency sites. Analysing individual parameters alone proves insufficient for determining the material's origin, age and history. Successful attribution requires a comprehensive analysis of numerous parameters, contingent upon the type of material involved, such as Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU), Plutonium or other radioactive substances. The amalgamation of diverse parameters yields valuable insights into the material's origin, age and history. This chapter outlines a systematic approach to nuclear forensic analysis, presenting a comprehensive list of parameters and their corresponding findings obtained from materials collected at emergency sites. The investigation process prioritizes the reliability of findings with minimal uncertainty, essential for their acceptance in legal proceedings. Key steps include utilizing high-confidence nuclear forensic signatures, validating methods through certified reference materials, employing sensitive analytical instruments, confirming derived assumptions through alternate signatures and verifying crucial findings through inter-comparison exercises with national and international laboratories.