Reactor Monitoring (near and far) with Neutrinos

Abstract

We are approaching a time when our understanding of neutrinos and the advance of technology will permit practical applications of neutrinos. The detection of electron anti-neutrinos ( ν ¯ e ) , permits monitoring of reactors and nuclear weapons tests which cannot be shielded or jammed, and gives unambiguous signals. Measurements close to reactor sites can determine the fuel content of even uncooperative facilities. Distant, but of necessity enormous detectors in a worldwide network can detect, locate and measure power output of reactors and of bomb tests in useful ranges. Close-in detectors are in test operation now. A world network will require development of new technology in photodetectors, now on the horizon and huge scaling up from present instruments. Under optimistic assumptions such a scheme may be affordable.