Reactor neutrino detection for non proliferation with the Nucifer experiment

Abstract

The idea of using a neutrino detector to monitor nuclear reactors was first proposed in 1977 by L.A.Mikaelian. Tremendous progresses have been achieved since then in both detection technology and understanding of fundamental neutrino physics. This allows us to apply reactor antineutrino detection to thermal power measurement and survey of isotopic composition of reactor fuel. Here we present the Nucifer experiment, a 1 ton Gd-doped liquid scintillator detector to be installed a few 10 m from the core for reactor surveillance. The design of such a small surface detector has been focused on high detection efficiency (~50%) and good background rejection. Detailed simulations of reactor emitted antineutrino spectrum and detector response have been developed and used to calculate the Nucifer sensitivity to illicit retrieval of Pu from the core as it will be discussed. These results have been presented in October 2008 to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which has expressed its interest in the potentialities of this detector as a new safeguard tool.