When it comes to nuclear arms control, verification is essential. By detecting unique metastable radionuclide signatures in non-nuclear material disposition pathways, an LDRD research team created a reliable verification measure to confirm dismantlement of nuclear warheads without disclosing sensitive information.
The implications of this research extend to critical mission areas, including nuclear arms control and nuclear search operations.
Looking ahead, Sandia plans follow-on projects, including a measurement campaign at the Y-12 National Security Complex in a multi-laboratory collaboration, as well as a proposal to the Defense Nuclear Non-Proliferation Research and Development program to measure signatures of non-nuclear materials at Pantex throughout their disposition process. Sandia researchers presented this work at the 65th Annual Meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management.
COOL FACT > Sandia has developed a robust method that can confirm the authenticity of declared warheads and ensure that these items have been dismantled, all while protecting classified design information.
Sandia experts linked to work
- Peter Marleau
July 14, 2025