Photonuclear Inspection and Threat Assessment System: An Advanced Cargo-Screening Technology for Detecting Illicit Radiological Materials   [open pdf - 1MB]

"In addition, new concerns about the worldwide availability of nuclear materials and technology, combined with a rise in global terrorist operations, have likely increased the risk of a domestic nuclear attack. Nonproliferation experts claim that what is needed is a greater emphasis on detecting nuclear materials before they enter or near the 95,000-mile maritime border of the United States.To confront this growing challenge, scientists and engineers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory are perfecting a technology that has the capabilities to accurately scan cargo containers for smuggled nuclear materials at long standoff distances."