The JRC supports EURATOM and IAEA safeguards inspectorates in the development and validation of non-destructive instruments and methods for nuclear material verification, as well as the training of inspectors on the effective use of this equipment.
The neutron generators
In the PERLA laboratory, the JRC operates a D-D Neutron Generator (GENIE16) for the production of continuous or pulsed 2.5 MeV neutrons, applied for the active interrogation of nuclear materials. That allows research and development of innovative non-destructive assays systems for safeguards, such as the Compact Nuclear Resonance Transmission Analysis or the Delayed Gamma Spectrometry systems.
At the PUNITA laboratory, the JRC operates a D-T Neutron Generator, producing higher-energy neutrons (14 MeV), that are applied in Differential Die-Away Analysis and Neutron Activation Analysis.
Delayed Gamma Spectrometry
Delayed Gamma Spectrometry (DGS) is an NDA technique, which consists of the analysis of short-lived fission products in the high energy range (> 3 MeV) of gamma-ray spectra of a nuclear material sample irradiated with neutrons. The technique was first investigated in the PUNITA lab with a D-T neutron generator, and then further explored in PERLA lab, using sealed 252-Cf neutron sources and the D-D neutron generator. DGS can be suited for nuclear safeguards inspections, especially in the presence of high-activity samples of irradiated nuclear fuel, as expected in uranium enrichment and reprocessing plants.
Novel detectors, electronics, and analysis methods
New electronics and detectors have been developed to replace obsolescent safeguards equipment or to be used as an alternative to He-3 for neutron detectors, considering the current He-3 supply shortage. Novel time digitizer electronics allows operation at higher count rates, reducing the counting dead-time, and increasing the performance of innovative or state-of-the-art systems.
Virtual environment for the training of inspectors
In recent years, virtual reality has gained more and more interest beyond its entertainment application. The JRC has developed virtual environments reproducing the nuclear laboratories, to enable remote training for nuclear inspectors. An advanced simulation allows trainees to explore and interact with the virtual surroundings, including with virtual nuclear materials, instruments, and other equipment.
Future objectives
Equipment currently used for nuclear safeguards inspections in the field is aging and will need refurbishment or replacement in the future. The new instruments and electronics under development, combined with the acquired know-how, will provide a solid basis for the JRC to tackle future challenges. Continuously improving the accuracy and precision of the measurements, while exploring new measurement techniques is expected to result in new tools for the future.