Neutrinos and Non-Proliferation

 

The LLNL/SNL antineutrino detector, operating at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, helps to remotely monitor reactor activity. The inner liquid scintillator filled cells are read out by photomultiplier tubes that detect two successive flashes of blue scintillation light induced by the antineutrino interaction. A 0.5 meter thick water and polyethylene shield surrounds the detector to screen out gamma rays and neutrons. Finally, a two centimeter thick plastic scintillator tent, shown in red, rejects ( or 'vetos') penetrating cosmic ray muons, which can induce antineutrino-like signals in the central detector.

Reported by: Bernstein et al

Associated Physics News Update 855, item 2

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