Re: [dvd-discuss] Photocopying machine parts...

["Arnold G. Reinhold" <reinhold(at)world.std.com>]

Krytrons have always been the poster child for dual-use technology 
export controls. They have important civilian uses, but are 
considered critical for building nuclear weapons. Nukes depend on the 
simultaneous detonation of a number of conventional explosive charges 
surrounding a fissionable material core, so a device that can switch 
on detonator power quickly and precisely is essential.  You can find 
out more about export controls at http://www.bxa.doc.gov/

Arnold Reinhold



At 10:28 AM -0500 12/29/01, mickey wrote:
>... illegal for export?
>
>"Fugitive Physicist Pleads Guilty to Exporting Potential Nuclear Triggers"
>
>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,41821,00.html
>
>"The original 30-count indictment involved the alleged export of 
>krytrons, two-inch devices that can be used in nuclear weapons or 
>photocopying machines. A license or approval from the U.S. State 
>Department must be obtained to ship them."
>
>Here is a (functional?) description of a krytron:
>
>http://www.ee.ualberta.ca/~schmaus/elect/pas5.html
>
>I guess that it might count as a dual-use high technology (in the 
>early eighties?), but I didn't realize that photocopier parts 
>distribution was potentially a federal crime if done without a 
>permit. 
>mickeym