Nu Tools: Exploring Practical Roles for Neutrinos in Nuclear Energy and Security

Abstract

For decades, physicists have used neutrinos from nuclear reactors to advance basic science. These pursuits have inspired many ideas for application of neutrino detectors in nuclear energy and security. While developments in neutrino detectors are now making some of these ideas technically feasible, their value in the context of real needs and constraints has been unclear. This report seeks to help focus the picture of where neutrino technology may find practical roles in nuclear energy and security.This report is the final product of the Nu Tools study, commissioned in 2019 by the DOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development (DNN R&D). The study was conducted over two years by a group of neutrino physicists and nuclear engineers. A central theme of the study and this report is that useful application of neutrinos will depend not only on advancing physics and technology but also on understanding the needs and constraints of potential end-users.The Study Approach emphasized broad end-user engagement. The major effort, undertaken from May to December 2020, was a series of engagements with the wider nuclear energy and security communities. Interviews with 41 experts revealed points of common understanding, which this report captures in three Cross-Cutting Findings, a Framework for Evaluating Utility, and seven Use Case Findings. The report concludes with two Recommendations. The findings and recommendations are summarized below. The respective ordering within each category does not represent a prioritization or implied value judgement. Cross Cutting FindingsThree findings of this study apply across all potential applications of neutrino technology:End-User Engagement: The neutrino technology R&D community is only beginning to engage attentively with endusers, and further coordinated exchange is necessary to explore and develop potential use cases.Technical Readiness: The incorporation of new technologies into the nuclear energy or security toolbox is a methodical process, requiring a novel system such as a neutrino detector to demonstrate sufficient technical readiness.Neutrino System Siting: Siting of a neutrino-based system requires a balance between intrusiveness concerns and technical considerations, where the latter favor a siting as close as possible. Use Case FindingsSeven findings of this study pertain to specific use cases discussed during conversations with the wider nuclear security and nuclear energy communities. This report evaluates these hypothetical use cases using a common framework consisting of four criteria: the need for a new or improved capability in a particular application space; the existence of a neutrino signal; the availability of a neutrino detection technology; and the compatibility of that technology with end-user implementation constraints including cost, workforce requirements, timelines, and other logistical considerations. The Use Case Findings, presented with full analysis later in the report, are briefly su...

Status and perspectives of neutrino physics

“…• Nuclear safeguarding: neutrino detectors are potentially useful for nuclear safeguarding applications. A recent study [617] has evaluated the potential, coming to the conclusion that while for many existing reactors, current IAEA safeguards are sufficient, there are possible use cases for neutrino monitoring associated with advanced reactors. Other possibilities identified in Ref.…”

“…Other possibilities identified in Ref. [617] include: future nuclear deals involving cooperative monitoring or verification, non-destructive assay of spent nuclear fuel [618], and postaccident response. Technology development is desirable for these use cases.…”

Exploring Current Constraints on Antineutrino Production by $^{241}$Pu and Paths Towards the Precision Reactor Flux Era

“…Improved isotopic IBD yield measurements also hold potential benefits for future ν e -based applications. Some advanced reactor technologies present unique safeguards challenges that may be satisfied by near-field ν e -based monitoring capabilities [63]. However, neutrino emissions have never been measured at advanced reactor cores, some of which differ substantially from measured HEU and LEU reactor types in both fuel composition and core neutronics [35,64,65].…”

NuSD: A Geant4 based simulation framework for segmented anti-neutrino detectors

“…In a global context of growing energy needs and reduction of carbon emission, the use of nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels is expanding and more countries desire or need to acquire the capability to generate nuclear power. In order to limit the possible misuse of civilian nuclear power to military purposes, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been looking into ways to guarantee the peaceful use of nuclear reactors through inspection and monitoring [1].…”

“…Emitted in overwhelming numbers by the decay of fission products in nuclear reactors, neutrinos 1 have the unique prop-erty of being able to travel almost unhindered through matter, making them impossible to block or tamper with.…”