Untersuchungen zur Thermodynamik, Konstitution und Diffusion an den Systemen Magnesium-Platin und Magnesium-Palladium

The thermodynamic and constitutional properties of Mg-Pd and Mg-Pt alloys were investigated. The partial Gibbs-enthalpies of Mg in Pd and Pt alloys with concentrations from 0 to 60 at.% Mg were measured in the temperature range from 1023 to 1073 K and 973 to 1073 K respectively using solid-state galvanic cells based on Fluorite as solid electrolyte. The existence of the phases Mg2Pd5, Mg3Pd5 and MgPd in the system Mg-Pd and MgPt7, MgPt3 and MgPt could be derived from the concentration dependence of activity. The existence of phases found by activity measurements was confirmed by the micro­probe investigations. A previously unknown phase in the system Mg-Pt was found at 60 at.% Mg

Standoff UV-C imaging of alpha particle emitters

Alpha particles are proven to be very useful in many areas of medicine, technology and science. Yet, they represent the biggest risk to soft biological tissues compared to all nuclear decay products when ingested or inhaled, implying thus stringent radiation protection measures in the management and monitoring of samples that emit them. In this paper we present a standoff optical imaging approach that enables sensing of a radiological threat items at facilities where alpha-emitting material is manufactured, handled, used and stored, at safe distances without putting personnel at risk or contaminating equipment. The optical imaging of alpha-emitting samples is based on the radiation induced air luminescence (radioluminescence) in the UV-C (solar-blind) spectral region which enables detection of alpha particles even under bright light conditions. We show that by adding trace amounts of nitric oxide into the nitrogen atmosphere surrounding the sample, alpha sources with specific activities as low as 1.5 Bq/cm(2) can be remotely imaged. This work provides a proof-of-concept implementation of a novel imaging approach that not only enhances capabilities of a state to take actions which effectively mitigate consequences of an radiological emergency for the society, health, environment and economy, but also benefits nuclear industry in decommissioning efforts.Peer reviewe

National and Cross-border Expert Support for Nuclear Security

The role of technical, scientific and operational expert support is analysed through case studies and scenarios. The technology demonstrations show that cooperation between competent authorities is necessary for the successful handling of a nuclear security event both nationally and internationally. Once an event occurs in a state, it could involve other states as well. For this reason, high-level agreement is necessary between states to allow horizontal exchange of information between states during a nuclear security event. Expert support is a crucial cross-cutting element of a Nuclear Security Detection Architecture. An attempt is made to identify the basic elements and capabilities of a national expert support system.JRC.E.2-Technology Innovation in Securit

Impact of Novel Technologies on Nuclear Security and Emergency Preparedness

Novel technologies can benefit nuclear security and emergency preparedness in multiple ways. Generally, systems based on novel technologies are more flexible and can thus be quickly adapted to changes in the operational environment. In addition, these systems are more autonomous and are dependent on the expertise of the frontline officer. The key emerging technologies for nuclear security and emergency preparedness include novel detection instruments, robotics, list-mode data acquisition and remote expert support. Novel technologies can reduce the size and cost of detection instruments while providing new features, such as automated source localization. Robots can automatically screen large areas and operate in environments with extremely high dose rates or the presence of other threats such as explosives. List-mode data acquisition is a compulsory requirement for many novel detection instruments and, thus a standardized list-mode data format is needed for sharing measurement data between different entities. It is important to note that many novel technologies are not just direct, improved replacements for existing systems. Instead, to utilize the full potential of novel technologies, the concept of operation should also be modified. For example, instead of relying on fixed portal monitor installations where people and cargo must pass the detector one by one, novel technologies enable efficient screening of people and cargo in an unconstrained environment. Adaptation of novel technologies also has major challenges. One challenge is that most technologies rely heavily on reliable and secure data transfer capabilities. This makes the systems more vulnerable to both intentional and unintentional disruptions in the data transfer network. In addition, it would be unrealistic to expect that novel technologies could replace the existing systems at once. Therefore, new instruments must be operated alongside with legacy systems, which can be rather challenging if the old and new system require different concepts of operation.JRC.E.2-Technology Innovation in Securit