X-RAY/GAMMA-RAY TELESCOPE FOR USE IN TREATY VERIFICATION AND OPEN SKIES INSPECTIONS

Physitron proposes development of an x-ray/gamma-ray telescope that can be used for treaty verification and compliance testing. In particular, the x-ray/gamma-ray telescope can be mounted in the Open Skies Treaty aircraft to provide a capability of detect, characterize and identify nuclear weapons development work. Objectives of the development program include: (1) adapting an existing gamma-ray telescope previously built under DNA sponsorship for use in the Open Skies aircraft, (2) designing a handheld instrument to be carried by inspectors during on-site inspections, and (3) conducting field tests and analytical studies to determine the optimum design and expected performance for each treaty¿s testing requirements. These objectives will be accomplished during Phase I by successfully completing three technical tasks, viz., determining each treaty¿s inspection requirements, conducting an analytical/experimental program, and completing the detailed design of the x-ray/gamma-ray telescope for both aircraft and handheld applications. For the Open Skies aircraft, the x-ray/gamma-ray telescope will provide a new capability and support nonproliferation as well as counter-proliferation activities.