Characterization of an orphan Ra–Be neutron source

An orphan radium-beryllium (Ra–Be) neutron source (Nuclear Chicago Corporation) detected inside a scrap metal shipping container, was seized and subjected to nuclear forensic analysis. Physical and chemical characterization methods were used before and after source dismantling. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) proved to be most useful for initial analysis of the source. Dissolution of the Ra-Be capsule was followed with elemental analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). Model age determination by ICP-MS (81.6 y ± 4.08) was found to be sensitive to insufficient accuracy in measuring daughters present in the parent solution.