Field deployment of neutron sources

Nuclear detection approaches that use radioactive isotojjic sources (e.g., Cf for spontaneous fission and asociated neutron emission or ° Co for gamma emission) will have to obtain state and federal hcenses to field the equipment and abide by apphcable health and safety regulations. The Hcensing process takes some time to put into place and may restrict the easy movement of the detection equipment to new locations. This impacts the abffity to rapidly re-locate equipment based up inteUigence estimates of the behavior of smugglers. The use of fixed pre-licensed sites can help to some extent. 

The presence of nuclear material at a site increases the threat from terrorists who may attempt to steal the material or to explosively disperse it. In the post-September 11 environment, the requirements for the protection of radioactive material are being significantly increased. This results in increased security costs and risks. 

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