Retrospective dosimetry for nuclear security using ubiquitous materials

One of the current challenges in nuclear security is that radiation detection instrumentation requires direct access to the radioactive source of interest. In nonproliferation applications the source may not be present at the time of inspection. The electronic properties of many materials store a permanent record of their radiation histories. As a result, ubiquitous materials can be used to retrospectively characterize radiation fields by quantifying the trapped electrons. An experimental exposure of brick and tile material was carried out at the former Nevada Test Site’s Device Assembly Facility. This work outlines the techniques that will be used to both locate and assay an unknown source using luminescence studies.