Observation of the Isotopic Evolution of Pressurized Water Reactor Fuel Using an Antineutrino Detector

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that simple antineutrino detectors can monitor the isotopic evolution of PWR fuel over multiple cycles, providing a potential tool for reactor safeguards and non-proliferation verification.

Contribution

It presents the first long-term observation of isotopic changes in PWR fuel using a straightforward antineutrino detector, highlighting its application for safeguards.

Findings

Detected long-term antineutrino flux changes correlating with fuel isotopic evolution

Validated the use of simple detectors for reactor monitoring

Potential for non-intrusive safeguards verification

Abstract

By operating an antineutrino detector of simple design during several fuel cycles, we have observed long term changes in antineutrino flux that result from the isotopic evolution of a commercial Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). Measurements made with simple antineutrino detectors of this kind offer an alternative means for verifying fissile inventories at reactors, as part of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other reactor safeguards regimes.