Researchers in the US have unveiled a new muon detector designed to improve nuclear safety and advance error correction in quantum systems.
Researchers in the US have developed a mobile muon detector that has the potential to revolutionize spent nuclear fuel monitoring and address a critical challenge in quantum computing.Physicists and engineers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory created the system by adapting detector technology originally designed for neutron detectors.
The device now captures both muon energy and scattering angles, which are two parameters that dramatically improve image quality compared to previous muon tomography systems, which typically record only one. It is expected to deliver clearer imaging of dense, shielded materials like spent nuclear fuel, while also significantly enhancing nuclear safety.Junghyun Bae, PhD, a nuclear engineer and a Wigner Distinguished Staff Fellow leading projects for muon tomography at ORNL, revealed they’re thrilled to have brought the system to life. A new approach to particle detectionMuons are fundamental particles that let scientists look deep into matter without damaging samples. But unlike neutrons, which decay in about 10 minutes, muons vanish within microseconds. This makes them harder to use for probing the atomic world.To tackle the issue, the researchers designed a detector, based on the Spallation Neutron Source neutron detector technology that uses wavelength-shifting fibers, to capture both the energy and scattering angles of muons in real time. Set to support a range of applications, including nuclear fuel research, the muon detector was developed through a collaboration between ORNL’s Neutron Sciences and Fusion and Fission Energy and Sciences directorates over the past two years. It will reportedly be transferred to the new facility on the ORN campus for actual measurements this year. “Collaborative work is essential in scientific research,” Polad Shikhaliev, PhD, senior detector scientist and lead developer for the muon detector revealed. “We have a fantastic community here at ORNL, and the support I’ve received has been invaluable,” Bae said. “This project exemplifies the power and innovation of interdisciplinary collaboration at ORNL.”The new detector is expected to help scientists understand how cosmic radiation interferes with qubits, and provide the knowledge needed to improve qubit error correction and design tougher qubit hardware.Years in the makingThe project was developed by Bae, during his doctoral studies, who after joining the ORNL encountered challenges turning theory into reality. Then, during a visit to the American Museum of Science and Energy, he found the design he needed in a neutron detector developed by Yacouba Diawara’s Detectors Group at ORNL.“This collaboration is a testament to what can be accomplished when scientists and engineers at ORNL come together with a shared vision,” Diawara stated. “The design for the muon detector originated from a neutron detector built specifically for the Spallation Neutron Source more than 10 years ago.”ORNL is home to two of the world’s most powerful neutron research sources, the High Flux Isotope Reactor and the Spallation Neutron Source. The lab also drives innovations to provide secure, affordable, and reliable energy that supports U.S. economic growth and energy independence.“The return on investment for that original detector has well exceeded our expectations, generating leading edge technology for discovery science adjacent to and complementary of the power of neutrons,” Diawara concluded in a press release.
Muons Neutron ORNL Physics Quantum Qubits Science Space Tomography
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