J. Phys. IV France 9 (1999) (Non-) proliferation aspects of accelerator driven systems

Abstract. The so called Innovative Options, within the field of nuclear fission systems, promise radical improvements in the fuel cycle with regard to waste disposal, non-proliferation and the possibility of severe accidents. In particular, new systems based on the use of accelerators and thorium [I,2,3] have been proposed for nuclear power production and waste incineration. In this paper we consider potential proliferation problems associated with these innovative options- in particular the choice of nuclear materials (e.g. thorium vs. uranium), the technology using these materials (e.g. accelerator driven sub-critical systems), and the reprocessing scheme. In particular, a metric for the assessment of the proliferation potential of nuclear material inventories at any stage in the fuel cycle is developed. In addition, considerations on the use of the accelerator beam current for clandestine fissile material production are presented. 1