Los Alamos National Labs with logo 2021

Nuclear Weapons Performance

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Contact Us  

  • Group Leader
  • Felicia Taw
  • Deputy Group Leader (Acting)
  • Marianne Wilkerson
  • Group Office
  • (505) 667-4546

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C-NR validates the performance of LANL-designed nuclear weapons as measured by radiochemical detectors. The group also contributes to future nuclear test readiness.

Debris AnalysisNuclear debris from historic U.S. nuclear tests is analyzed for trace actinide isotopic composition and persistent signatures of nuclear fission to develop new forensic science techniques.

Nuclear debris from historic U.S. nuclear tests is analyzed for trace actinide isotopic composition and persistent signatures of nuclear fission to develop new forensic science techniques. A) Glassy debris from a historic nuclear weapon test. B) New micro-scale sampling (micromill pits shown) techniques allow access to key data on finer scales. C) Compositional map of debris mounted for in-situ analysis. D) digital autoradiography capabilities in C-NR allow for targeted analysis of activity rich zones within individual pieces of debris.