Proliferation Detection

The Office of Proliferation Detection within the National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development office, develops novel technologies within two broad topics; near and remote, single or multimodal detection systems for detecting, locating, and characterizing nuclear activities and facilities; technologies that reduce reliance on high-activity medical and industrial radioactive sources in support of the Office of Global Material Security and other U.S. Government agencies.

Areas of Interest Applications are of interest in the following areas:

a. Demonstration of a High-Intensity Entangled Photon Light Source for Remote Sensing: The integration of quantum photonic devices into remote sensing platforms offers substantial advantages including scalability, compact footprint, high stability, and increased nonlinear interaction efficiency [1]. There are several quantum-based detection technologies that can be applied to remote sensing [2]. Science teams should try to minimize size, weight, and power of the source in design choices. Analysis showing potential capability of a high-intensity entangled light source toward these areas of improvement is also of interest.

b. Maritime, Limnologic, and Oceanic Hyperspectral Imagery Analysis Advancement: The maritime shipping industry is considering deployment of nuclear-powered vessels to reduce carbon dioxide emissions [3]. The nuclear nonproliferation community has an interest in ensuring the safe deployment and use of such vessels via remote sensing [4]. Hyperspectral imagery can be implemented to assist nuclear power monitoring agencies for surface and subsurface environments [5]. Hyperspectral imagery data collected over bodies of water present unique analysis challenges [6]. This topic is an opportunity for development of advanced atmospheric correction methods that could include but are not limited to: 1) optimization of multimodal fusion that include SAR, multi/hyper spectral imagery, LiDAR, bathymetry, and other data modes, 2) investigation of few-shot learning with regard to absorbing aerosols, identification of interference from bottom reflections, cloud absorption, light scattering in water, and absorption of other gases and or materials of interest with the goal of understanding whether new signal types can be recognized from a handful of examples, 3) algorithm development for understanding the limits of underwater object identification including the maximum detectable depth under varying water types, the most useful spectral bands for surface and subsurface detection, best way to separate maritime constituents, and whether adaptive wavelength selection can improve detection, 4) improving reliability atmospheric correction over oceans, 5) Analysis techniques in the near infrared, visible, and ultraviolet portions of the spectrum are of interest. Analysis workflow development should also be considered. Typical data collection can be on the order of 100s of GB of data. Attention should be given to efficient edge processing of hyperspectral data cubes to maximize analysis workflow efficiency.

c. Radiation Detection Technologies: • A compact, rugged, low-power, dual-mode gamma/neutron detectors for autonomous detection and characterization of special nuclear material, including highly

enriched uranium and plutonium, at ranges up to 10 meters in uncontrolled environments. Solutions should combine advanced scintillators, such as CLYC or CLLBC, with silicon photomultiplier readouts, multiplexed architectures, and embedded processing for real-time spectroscopy, neutron/gamma pulse-shape discrimination, and isotopic classification [7-10]. Algorithms must be validated using Monte Carlo simulations and calibrated-source testing. Prototypes should target the following performance objectives: ≤4% gamma resolution at 662 keV, PSD figure of merit >3, thermal-neutron efficiency ≥10%, operational power ≤500 mW, mass ≤600 g, 72-hour endurance, passive thermal management, encrypted burst communications, low signatures, and MIL-STD-810H survivability from −40°C to +65°C. Phase I should demonstrate feasibility through bench prototypes, embedded algorithms, simulations, and experimental characterization; Phase II should deliver an integrated qualified prototype, environmental testing, blind SNM trials, and a TRL-5 transition plan. • A stationary, low-SWaP radiation detection and data-fusion system that unobtrusively localizes, identifies, and quantifies radiological and nuclear materials in vehicles traveling 5–65 mph. Solutions should exceed conventional presence alarms by mapping radiation measurements to a vehicle’s three-dimensional structure, locating single or multiple sources, and providing real-time isotopic identification and activity estimates despite shielding, variable geometry, motion, standoff, NORM, and changing backgrounds [11-13]. Approaches may combine advanced detector architectures, algorithms, and auxiliary sensors such as LiDAR, machine vision, or radar. Systems should support low-latency edge processing, unattended or lightly attended operation, environmental robustness, minimal operator burden, and low operational signatures at checkpoints, crossings, weigh stations, or remote sites. Phase I should establish feasibility through modeling, simulation, or surrogate-vehicle testing and quantify localization, identification, activity-estimation, false-alarm, runtime, and latency performance. Deliverables include a technical report, proof-of-concept demonstration, and Phase II plan. Phase II will develop and field-test an integrated prototype under realistic scenarios.

d. Radiological Source Replacement Technologies: • Innovative modeling and simulation solutions to improve dosimetry accuracy, safety, consistency, and standardization in radiation biology and preclinical research. Current practices rely heavily on high-activity gamma sources and traditional X-ray cabinets, which present safety risks, dose-delivery errors, biological variability, and inconsistent reporting [14-19]. Proposed approaches should integrate Monte Carlo methods, super intelligence, and machine learning to improve dose modeling, reduce reliance on gamma sources, optimize dosimeter placement, validate radiation fields, account for beam quality and sample geometry, and enable conversion from air kerma to absorbed dose. Solutions should support virtual testing, cross-modality dose comparisons, safer adoption of medium-energy X-ray irradiators, and reliable characterization of dose uniformity. Proposals may also address the development and validation of anatomically accurate, tissue-equivalent phantoms and methods to reduce interlaboratory discrepancies. The goal is precise, reproducible dose delivery—ideally within 5% of prescribed levels—and improved dosimetry practices across radiation research. • A compact, vehicle-transportable, non-radioisotopic neutron generator to replace aging and restricted Cf-252, AmBe, and similar sources used for detector calibration and nondestructive assay. The system should provide safe, reliable, on-demand operation without the radiological, security, logistical, and availability challenges of isotope-based calibrators. It must produce an output approaching 200 mrem/hr at 50 cm—comparable

to a 20 Ci AmBe source—while offering moderated and beam-shaped neutron spectra representative of AmBe, Cf-252, and related sources [20]. Total power consumption should remain below 10 kW, with readily controllable activation and shutdown for improved safety and operational flexibility. Proposals should address innovative neutrongeneration, moderation, and beam-shaping approaches capable of delivering compact, controllable, AmBe-equivalent performance. Successful solutions will enable more flexible calibration and NDA operations while reducing the hazards, regulatory burdens, and lifecycle costs associated with radioactive neutron sources. • A highly mobile, rugged, and cost-competitive ultrasonic testing system capable of replacing radioisotope-based industrial radiography and reducing the security risks associated with Ir-192, Co-60, and Se-75 sources. The system should inspect pipes, boilers, and structural components in harsh environments, including cold conditions where conventional coupling fluids fail [21]. Proposals should develop innovative ultrasonic methods for detecting difficult defects, including narrow flaws aligned with the sound path, shallow surface cracks, and porosity variations. Advanced analysis software should simplify scan interpretation and reduce technician training requirements. Successful solutions must demonstrate reliable, durable, field-ready operation while providing performance comparable to gamma radiography and eliminating the need for high-activity radioactive sources.

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