‘Ghost particles’ signature can track where spent nuclear fuel goes
Researchers from the 'Double Chooz' Collaboration have successfully detected neutrinos emitted by spent nuclear fuel, even when the reactor is offline. This breakthrough could allow for remote monitoring of nuclear materials to prevent illicit diversion.
Why it matters
This technology provides a non-intrusive method for international inspectors to verify nuclear non-proliferation compliance, significantly enhancing global security capabilities.
In the high-stakes world of preventing governments from secretly developing atom bombs , the ability of inspectors to check what happens inside a reactor core — without stepping foot inside the highly radioactive structure — is a holy grail.
For many decades, International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors have used cameras and close inspections to ensure operators are not diverting spent nuclear fuel for illicit uses.
A new study in Physical Review Letters by researchers of the ‘Double Chooz’ Collaboration in France has reported a breakthrough in this domain. The team has reported the first measurement of the signature of particles emitted by spent nuclear fuel, which a detector can detect even from a distance.
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