Overview of Nuclear Detection Needs for Homeland Security

The need for advanced and improved nuclear detection systems is paramount to address the challenges facing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The DHS is responsible for developing broad based nuclear detection architecture for discovery of nuclear materials that may be smuggled into or in transit within the U.S. The implementation of this architecture requires the design, development, and deployment of a suite of nuclear detection systems with varying capabilities and operational constraints. This paper provides an overview of the nuclear detection needs for homeland security applications that encompasses both passive and active detection systems that range from handheld to vehicle deployable systems.