Nuclear Security Policy and Detection Techniques

The research group "Nuclear Security Policy and Detection Methods" has extensive experience in the on-site detection of nuclear and radioactive materials. Based on this expertise, it systematically and scientifically analyzes and assesses nuclear and radiological threats. The work relies on theoretical simulations and experimental measurements with modern detection systems, including gamma and neutron detectors. Both active detection methods using portable neutron generators and mobile neutron radiography techniques as well as novel detection materials, for example for simultaneous neutron and gamma detection, are investigated.

In addition, the research addresses scientific and technological questions of nuclear security policy and arms control, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons. This area also includes the assessment of potential nuclear weapon effects and countermeasures against nuclear terrorism.

An in-house precision mechanics workshop and an electronics laboratory enable the adaptation, integration or development of specialized detection equipment.

The group has been contributing its expertise to European research programs for many years and has participated in numerous EU projects (EDEN, SCINTILLA, CBORD, TeamUP and many more).

Mobile Measurement System DeGeN

The mobile measurement system DeGeN (Detection of Gamma including Neutrons) operates from a passenger car. The vehicle is designed for the search and identification of radioactive and nuclear materials and can detect radioactive materials while driving past.

Gamma Detectors

Gamma detectors offer high resolution for identifying radioactive and nuclear materials and can also be used for mobile gamma spectrometry in field applications.

Neutron Detectors

Neutron detectors provide high efficiency for locating and identifying nuclear materials. Fissile material and nuclear substances, in particular, emit neutrons.

Gamma Camera

The gamma camera enables the overlay of gamma intensity and optical images.

Neutron Generators

A mobile neutron generator, Thermo miniGen, is available, which can operate in both continuous and pulsed modes. It is used to advance the development of active methods for fissile material detection.

Dark Measurement Station

The dark measurement station is used for testing new detector materials and custom-built detectors.

SPOT

The robot dog, SPOT, is used to test the detection of radioactive and nuclear substances with remote-controlled manipulators.

QuTeSt: Qualification Test System for Radiation Detection Devices

Reproducible qualification measurements of radiation detectors according to relevant standards can be conducted using the two QuTeSt-systems. The static system can position a source from shielding in front of a detector in less than 0.5 seconds to determine its response. The dynamic system allows a radioactive source to pass a detector at a defined speed and is used, for example, for testing portal monitors. 

• Non-destructive measurement techniques for the on-site detection and identification of radioactive and nuclear materials
• Development and operation of mobile measurement systems for the detection of radioactive and nuclear materials (system integration)
• Support and advisory services for national and international security authorities
• Theoretical and experimental studies on risks in the field of nuclear proliferation
• Physical and technical aspects of nuclear test ban treaties and nuclear disarmament
• Analysis of risks related to the illegal use of radioactive material for non-peaceful purposes (for example terrorism)

In collaboration with Hellma and several other partners, the research group "Nuclear Security Policy and Detection Techniques" is conducting the ScintLaCharm project. The project focuses on the localization and characterization of radioactive material using modern imaging and spectrometric methods in scintillation measurement technology. It is funded under the “FORKA – Forschung für den Rückbau kerntechnischer Anlagen” program by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The project sponsor is the Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS).