Nuclear Measurements
Research focus
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The research activity concerns many aspects of the nuclear measurements (characterization of nuclear detectors, measurements of radioactivity at very weak levels and for energy applications, data analysis, radiation protection, radiochemistry). In the considered period, silicon detectors for neutron spectrometry and He-3 proportional counters for neutron counting were characterized by means of a complete modelisation, in activities conducted in strict cooperation with the L.N.L. (National Laboratories of Legnaro) and J.R.C. (Ispra). Neutron spectrometry up to about 1 GeV (following bombardment with high energy hadron beams), was conducted in collaboration with the Radiation Protection Group of CERN. The adopted technique is based on moderating detectors (i.e. ‘Bonner’ spheres). Their response was calculated by Monte Carlo simulations and their results are treated with dedicated iterative codes, derived from procedures developed at the German PTB. Since 2004, part of the group collaborates to the Working Package 6 (WP6) of the CONRAD Coordinated Action, funded by the EU. This collaboration aims at simulating (with the FLUKA Monte Carlo code) and measuring the radiation field (mainly constituted by neutrons) behind the shields of the experimental facility (cave A) of the GSI (Darmstadt, Germany). One researcher (S. Agosteo) is also a full member of the WP4 (Computational Dosimetry) of the same coordinated action. The experience in simulation codes is applied since many years in shielding calculations for hadrontherapy and high energy accelerators (mainly in collaboration with CERN). Other activities concern medical applications of radiation, such as Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT, in particular accelerator-based sources) and hadron therapy. Research Assessment Exercise (2003 – 2006) -- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Nucleare - CeSNEF (DIN) 35 In many of these applications, advanced data analysis techniques are employed (e.g. for spectra unfolding, for process modelling, for proper data evaluation) which have been extended to other research fields, such as in the design of advanced memory devices or in the characterisation of nuclear systems for safeguard purposes. In the field of Radiochemistry, nuclear measurements support studies concerning the Partitioning in nuclear waste, the Chemical Dosimetry and the Decommissioning and Waste Management. In particular, nuclear measurements enable to investigate the Partitioning of Actinides/Lanthanides in nuclear waste, thanks to the use of radiotracers applied to the determination of the properties of specifically synthesized ligands (calixarenes, triazines etc.). These investigations aim at designing an An/Ln separation process based on counter-current solvent extraction. Concerning the chemical dosimetry field, systematic studies on dosimetric systems based on different chemical compositions (Fricke-Xylenol-Orange-Gel, acrylic gel) for the detection of ionizing radiation and neutrons are performed. These dosimetric systems are particularly suited to the discrimination of the different dose contributions (g-ray and neutron) in mixed radiation fields, such as those typical of nuclear reactors for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). Finally the research in Nuclear and Non-Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management is aimed at establishing and applying methods for the chemicalphysical and radiometric characterization of matrices coming from nuclear plants and processes (nuclear wastes) or generated by the enhancement of naturally occurring radionuclides following technological processes applied to large amounts of extracted raw materials (TENORM – Technological Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials). In order to perform the abovementioned radiochemistry activities, the researchers developed contacts/collaborations with national/international research groups of excellence. In particular, the research activities linked to the Partitioning of Actinides from Lanthanides are carried out in the frame of a European /Japanese/Australian network including 27 Partners, selected among the topqualified universities, research centres and companies in the chemical and nuclear worldwide scenario.
Dipartimento di afferenza
Docenti afferenti
Full Professors
Stefano Agosteo
Associate Professors
Armando Foglio Para
Fabrizio Campi
Assistant Professors
Alessandra Cesana
Marco Caresana
Alessandro Porta
Andrea Pola
Mario Mariani