NewsPhysics

New sensitivity measurements suggest that monitoring of spent nuclear fuel can continue even when reactors are offline. This capability is crucial for nuclear non-proliferation, as it allows verification of whether fissile material is being diverted for non-peaceful uses. Antineutrino detection technology offers a promising tool for safeguarding nuclear materials, complementing traditional inspection methods.

The method relies on the detection of antineutrinos, subatomic particles produced in large quantities during nuclear fission. The rate and spectrum of antineutrinos emitted by spent nuclear fuel can provide information about its composition and the amount of fissile material present. The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating that these measurements are sensitive enough to be effective even when reactors are not operational, a scenario where monitoring is traditionally more challenging.

“New sensitivity measurements suggest that monitoring of spent nuclear fuel can continue even when reactors are offline.”