Prompt Analysis of Nuclear Detonations through Radio-Frequency Detection
Abstract
We are looking to understand the fundamental phenomenology associated with RF generation during nuclear and chemical explosive detonations, and to develop the ability to derive prompt nuclear forensics-relevant information from the measured RF signal. This effort aims to fill the above identified gap in the available literature relevant to RF emission signatures of nuclear and chemical explosives and the development of a laboratory scale system based on laser ablation to simulate the RF spectra of such explosive detonations. The emission of electromagnetic radiation from a chemical and nuclear explosion fireball is well established in the available literature. In general, subsequent to detonation, an explosion produces an electromagnetic pulse. The spectrum and intensity of the electromagnetic field are functions of parameters such as explosive type and particle size. The physical and chemical conditions of laser produced plasmas (LPP) have striking similarities to nuclear and chemical detonation fireballs and hence provide a versatile laboratory-scale tool for simulating such events. Using advanced ultra-fast laser and spectroscopy facilities within the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Florida, this project will seek to perform theoretical and experimental analysis on the generation of RF emissions in LPPs. This fundamental science effort aims to create high -fidelity quantitative experimental data and theoretical analysis on RF emission generation, signatures, and transport in complex environments under several initial ambient environmental conditions (humidity, composition, pressure, etc.). The ability of LPPs to simulate RF emission signatures of nuclear and chemical explosion fireballs will be demonstrated. This result will be achieved through optimization of the laser breakdown-based system utilizing the ability to tune the chemical and physical conditions of the LPP to produce the desired RF emission structure. Existing data within the literature and at the national labs will be used to feedback into the optimization process to improve the LPP laboratory scale system. Finally, the temporal and spectral structure of the RF emission will be studied through theory- and LPP based experiments, which could develop signatures that can provide prompt nuclear forensics information on device design and prominence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11910025
Entities
People
- Kyle C. Hartig
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- University of Florida