Postdoctoral researcher Jason Hearne has been researching Cherenkov radiation in water-cooled research reactors such as the TRIGA (training, research, isotopes, general atomics) reactor at the Nuclear Engineering and Science Center. These reactors operate at atmospheric pressure and look like swimming pools bathed in blue light. This is the result of Cherenkov radiation, which occurs when free electrons travel faster than the phase velocity of light in a medium.
Because the amount of visible blue light in a given area corresponds with the amount of power, scientists can not only measure the total power of a reactor, but also the power within its parts. This power profile determination helps quickly detect anomalies in a reactor such as flux tilts or the approximate size and location of a blockage in a coolant channel. This method of data analysis allows scientists to increase optimization efforts and reduce the likelihood of reactor failure.
Hearne’s work has been computer-model based using the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code, but he soon hopes to begin experimental implementation of his Cherenkov project using the TRIGA reactor. His research proves that reactor safety does not have to be compromised for power and that reactors are becoming more efficient, effective and secure every day.