SAUNA QB - Array: The realization of a new concept in radioxenon detection

We introduce a new concept in radioxenon detection - the radioxenon Array, defined as a system where air sampling and activity measurement is performed at multiple locations, using measurement units that are less sensitive, but on the other hand less costly, and easier to install and operate, compar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental radioactivity 2023-05, Vol.261, p.107136-107136, Article 107136
Main Authors: Ringbom, Anders, Fritioff, Tomas, Aldener, Mattias, Axelsson, Anders, Elmgren, Klas, Hellesen, Carl, Karlkvist, Lindsay, Kastlander, Johan, Olsson, Henrik, Berglund, Helena, Hellman, Bo, Pettersson, Ola
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We introduce a new concept in radioxenon detection - the radioxenon Array, defined as a system where air sampling and activity measurement is performed at multiple locations, using measurement units that are less sensitive, but on the other hand less costly, and easier to install and operate, compared to current state-of-the-art radioxenon systems. The inter-unit distance in the Array is typically hundreds of kilometres. Using synthetic nuclear explosions together with a parametrized measurement system model, we argue that, when such measurement units are combined into an Array, the aggregated verification performance (detection, location, and characterization) can be high. The concept has been realized by developing a measurement unit named SAUNA QB, and the world's first radioxenon Array is now operating in Sweden. The operational principles and performance of the SAUNA QB and the Array is described, and examples of first measured data are presented, indicating a measurement performance according to expectations. •A new concept in detection of atmospheric radioactive xenon is introduced: the radioxenon Array, used for verification of nuclear explosions.•Using simulations together with a response model, we argue that the aggregated verification performance of an Array can be high.•A new radioxenon measurement unit has been developed and the world's first radioxenon Array was established in Sweden.
ISSN:0265-931X
1879-1700
DOI:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107136