Radioxenon signatures from activation of environmental xenon
For distinguishing between nuclear explosions and other man made releases, atmospheric monitoring of radioactive noble gas isotopes, xenon isotopes in particular, is of interest to the non-proliferation community. Radioxenon releases can originate from nuclear weapons tests (atmospheric, underground, and underwater), research and commercial reactors, and medical isotope production facilities. Their impacts on atmospheric sample analysis have to be well understood to distinguish between them. This work focuses on the contribution of xenon activation by thermal, epithermal, and 14 MeV neutrons to radioxenon signatures. Calculations to estimate radioxenon production from activation in research reactors are performed and compared to experimental data.