The Destructive Analytical group of the Nuclear Security Department performs analysis of nuclear materials and environmental samples following chemical sample preparation. The measured samples originate from various sources, including randomly found or confiscated nuclear materials of unknown origin, nuclear safeguards swipe samples, and environmental materials.
In the case of seized nuclear materials collected at a radiological crime scene or border checkpoints, destructive analysis of these samples could be an essential element of the nuclear forensic examination of the radioactive evidence.
A low-level radioactive laboratory for sample receiving and subsampling of nuclear or other radioactive materials for chemical preparation, as well as an environmental laboratory established in a clean lab (Class 100.000) for sample preparation, can also be used for age dating and origin assessment of nuclear materials and geological samples.
