Los Alamos researchers develop quick dirty bomb analysis technique

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico have developed a method for quickly identifying the components of a "dirty bomb" and discovering the culprits behind such an attack, the laboratory announced Wednesday.

Before this development, identifying the isotopes used in a radiological weapon was expected to take 24 hours or more, according to the laboratory. A team led by scientist Bennie Martinez has now developed a method to complete the work in as little as six hours.

"It's clear the method can identify a variety of radionuclides that might be present in dirty bomb debris," Martinez said. "Since the method is fairly simple and uses a minimum of equipment, we believe it could be forward deployed and could provide early data to law enforcement and others following a terrorist event. We want to help officials close in on the culprits as fast as possible," he added.