Fully-funded PhD by Research Studentship in Advanced Neutron-Counting Algorithms

This PhD project is a joint collaboration between Lancaster University and Mirion Technologies.  The nuclear engineering group at Lancaster have broad interests in radiation measurements and Mirion Technologies is a world leader in the design and supply of nuclear instrumentation.  The research goal is to explore and develop advanced neutron-counting algorithms that can be applied to the assay of special nuclear materials such as plutonium contaminated waste.  A widely applied technique is correlated neutron counting which distinguishes bursts of neutrons originating from fission from time-random neutrons such as those created by alpha-n reactions.  The detection limit is set by cosmic ray spallation events which creates a fluctuating background of time corelated neutrons.  We want to leverage our experience and measurement capability in the monitoring of galactic cosmic ray neutrons to estimate space weather environments to better understand how to reduce both the level and variability of the cosmic ray neutron background in order to perform more accurate non-destructive assays of plutonium contaminated items and to reduce the limit of detection. 

A combination of experimental, simulation and analytical methods will be used.  It is envisioned that after passive shielding and rudimentary filtering has been put in place the key to achieving this will be data cleaning based on a multivariate analysis of the detected neutron multiplicity distributions.  How to fashion physics informed algorithms that are robust over a wide dynamic range Pu-to-CR signatures, pulling in local weather station data, real-time radiography and other information is new and novel.  How to validate algorithms using field data will be an important aspect.  The research will also enhance several other areas of applied neutron counting including:

How to simulate cosmic ray response functions; multiplicity distributions; collecting experimental data and relating these to simple theories for interpolation; emerging data acquisition systems; ways to perform the Pu-CR_spallation co-assay; reviewing historical field data; return to the space weather effort; related application areas, for example, in the case of UO₂F₂ inventory holdup.

A degree in a physical science or engineering with a nuclear specialism would be beneficial as would an interest in measurement science and real-world applications of numerical modelling, nuclear instrumentation and data analysis.  The study area cuts across a number of fields with a concentration on radiation measurements, cosmic ray neutron monitoring for space weather, radioactive waste characterisation, nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation. 

Funding

This project is funded by Lancaster University. The studentship will cover UK fees plus the standard maintenance stipend (fees paid, stipend at UKRI rates, currently £17,668 p.a. tax free). The School of Engineering also has limited funding to cover Overseas fees which this award may be eligible for. The successful candidate could start in October 2023.

Informal enquiries and how to apply

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Stephen CROFT (s.croft@lancaster.ac.uk). Candidates interested in applying should send a copy of their CV together with a personal statement/covering letter addressing their background and suitability for this project to Prof Stephen Croft (s.croft@lancaster.ac.uk) by the closing date: 3 April 2023.

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