Advanced Safeguards Measurement, Monitoring and Modelling Laboratory

The Advanced Safeguards Measurement, Monitoring, and Modelling Laboratory (AS3ML) provides researchers and developers with a state-of-the-art environment to design, test and simulate the operation of new containment and surveillance systems for nuclear safeguards application. Seals and sealing systems, multi-sensor camera platforms, laser-based containment and surveillance systems embedding AI are developed here. The facility also plays a crucial role in the development of innovative safeguards concepts for next-generation reactor systems and fuel cycles. 

The laboratory is also a training centre for nuclear inspectors. Here inspectors are provided with the knowledge and skills to effectively operate new equipment in the field, while maintaining the highest standards in safeguards verification.

Activities in AS3ML

In the AS3ML, the JRC brings together scientists and engineers with competences such as nuclear science, electronics, mechanical design, optics and lasers, robotics, digital imaging and machine learning. This multidisciplinary collaboration is key to the design, development and prototyping of cutting-edge technologies, equipping nuclear inspectors with state-of-the-art tools.

Containment and surveillance of nuclear material

The JRC equips nuclear inspectors with the most advanced tools and techniques to verify that nuclear materials and facilities are used for peaceful applications, in compliance with the European and international safeguards legislation. 

Read more on Containment and surveillance of nuclear material.

Proliferation resistance and safeguards-by-design

The AS3ML environment fosters research on novel advanced reactors. It also ensures reactors compliance with nuclear safety, security and safeguards requirements, from the design phase, integrating them throughout the system's lifecycle. 

Read more on Proliferation resistance and safeguards-by-design.

Optics lab

The optics lab in the In AS3ML is equipped with standard tools such as optics tables, lasers, optical components (lenses, filters) and opto-mechanical components. The research conducted here focuses on 3D measurement techniques, cameras and image analysis. To support this, the lab includes:

• Industrial-grade 2D and 3D cameras
• Various lighting setups including lasers for lab experiments
• Compact computing systems (such as System-on-modules) for designing and testing specialized cameras for real-world applications

Many prototypes developed in the lab use 3D-printed plastic parts. This allows the team to quickly create and refine custom components for their projects.

Artificial Intelligence lab

To further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of safeguards verification equipment, the AS3ML laboratory is testing AI techniques on an array of advanced vision sensors, including 2D and stereo cameras, along with state-of-the-art LiDAR scanners. The laboratory also analyses gamma spectra and tomographic images provided by the Non Destructive Assay team of the unit.

For model training and inference, the team employs a tiered approach, using a range of platforms tailored to specific use cases. This includes embedded GPU boards for on-the-edge processing, PC-based GPUs for intermediate tasks, and high-performance GPU servers for more demanding computational operations. 

In scenarios requiring generative AI models, the lab leverages the JRC's in-house GPT@JRC platform, which provides access to the latest open-source and commercial models.

Engineering office and workshop

The engineering office and the workshop work together synergistically to develop new electromechanical devices designed to equip nuclear inspectors with the most up-to-date tools. 

The engineering office manages projects through the extensive use of 3D modeling, FEM analysis, and motion studies. The files generated from the modeling phase are then imported into CAM software to create toolpaths that guide machines on the shop floor, feed 3D printers, or are sent out for outsourced circuit board manufacturing.

The workshop, in addition to producing parts, is responsible for assembling complex systems and devices.

Besides developing new systems, the engineering office is also responsible for training nuclear inspectors, especially in the use of ultrasonic seals and novel sealing systems.

3D scanner on Euronews

The JRC developed a series of containment and surveillance techniques for nuclear safeguards using laser based systems to help inspectors during their infield verification activities.

See photo report