US scientists use neutron fingerprints to spot dangerous nuclear materials in minutes

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers combined the SAMMY code with VENUS neutron transmission data to identify unknown nuclear materials by their resonance fingerprints.

The method successfully matched overlapping isotope signatures in samples such as gold, tantalum, and complex natural hafnium within minutes.

By enabling fast, non-destructive identification, the approach could strengthen safeguards, forensic analysis, and national security responses.