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Thesis
Home   /   Thesis   /   Development of ultra-high-resolution magnetic microcalorimeters for isotopic analysis of actinides by X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometry

Development of ultra-high-resolution magnetic microcalorimeters for isotopic analysis of actinides by X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometry

Emerging materials and processes for nanotechnologies and microelectronics Instrumentation nucléaire et métrologie des rayonnements ionisants Technological challenges

Abstract

The PhD project focuses on the development of ultra-high-resolution magnetic microcalorimeters (MMCs) to improve the isotopic analysis of actinides (uranium, plutonium) by X- and gamma-ray spectrometry around 100 keV. This type of analysis, which is essential for the nuclear fuel cycle and non-proliferation efforts, traditionally relies on HPGe detectors, whose limited energy resolution constrains measurement accuracy. To overcome these limitations, the project aims to employ cryogenic MMC detectors operating at temperatures below 100 mK, capable of achieving energy resolutions ten times better than that of HPGe detectors. The MMCs will be microfabricated at CNRS/C2N using superconducting and paramagnetic microstructures, and subsequently tested at LNHB. Once calibrated, they will be used to precisely measure the photon spectra of actinides in order to determine the fundamental atomic and nuclear parameters of the isotopes under study with high accuracy. The resulting data will enhance the nuclear and atomic databases used in deconvolution codes, thereby enabling more reliable and precise isotopic analysis of actinides.

Laboratory

Département d’Instrumentation Numérique
Service Instrumentation et Métrologie des Rayonnements Ionisants
Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel pour la Métrologie de l'Activité
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