Christopher Fichtlscherer

University of Hamburg

Abstract:
Nuclear verification often relies on measuring the radiation signatures of warheads and fissile material. Such radiation signatures include gamma and neutron emissions from decay (passive) and particles resulting from induced reactions (active measurements). While research often focuses on measurement technologies, the radiation signatures themselves are rarely studied. Could actors who imitate these signatures compromise nuclear disarmament or non-proliferation processes? Furthermore, a deeper understanding of these signatures can support the search for new methods to ensure treaty obligations are fulfilled without revealing sensitive information.

Bio: Christopher Fichtlscherer has been a researcher at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg since March 2021 and works on the DSF-funded project “Nuclear Warhead Authentication Based on Gamma and Neutron Emissions - How to Discourage Cheating?” He studied mathematics and physics in Darmstadt, Stockholm, and Hamburg and graduated with distinction. Since then, he has been working on his Ph.D. in the “Nuclear Verification and Disarmament” research group at RWTH Aachen. He has completed research stays in Vienna (Institute of Security and Risk Sciences), Daejeon (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), and Princeton (Program on Science and Global Security).