For some years, PTB’s Department 6.4 has been participating in research projects of the EU to ensure safety in nuclear fission. It is the objective of these projects to coordinate the measurement of improved cross-sectional data for nuclear reactions. These data are required for the construction of nuclear reactors of the fourth generation. Such reactors designed to produce significantly less long-lived waste and, thus, to reduce the load of future repositories.
In 2021, research projects from nuclear astrophysics and the investigation of radiation‑induced effects in microelectronic structures have been added to this.
Within the scope of these projects, the utilization of accelerators and research reactors by scientists from other countries of the EU is, among other things, promoted. External groups may submit proposals to a programme committee for experiments at one of the institutes involved. In the case of a positive assessment, the travel expenses and the costs of the beamtime will be paid for. During the experiments, the external users will be supported intensively by scientists and technicians of PTB.
Completed projects are EFNUDAT (2006‑2010), ERINDA (2010‑2013) and CHANDA (2013‑2017).
Currently, PTB is involved in the following projects that support access to the PIAF accelerator facility for users from EU member states (except Germany) and associated countries:
- ARIEL (2019‑2023, focus: cross sections for energy production by nuclear fission and other applications).
- ChETEC-INFRA (2021‑2025, focus: nuclear astrophysics and astronomy)
- RADNEXT (2021‑2025, focus: radiation effects in microelectronic structures).
More information about these programs and experiments at PIAF can be obtained by email to neutronenmetrologie(at)ptb.de.