Regular Article

Nuclear instrumentation and measurement: a review based on the ANIMMA conferences

¹ UCL, Louvain School of Engineering, iMMC/TFL, Place du Levant 2, Box L5.04.01, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
² Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
³ CEA, Reactor Studies Department, 13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
⁴ Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IM2NP, Marseille, France
⁵ CEA, Department of Nuclear Technology, 13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
⁶ University of Mons, Electromagnetism and Telecommunication Department, Boulevard Dolez 31, 7000 Mons, Belgium
⁷ Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Nuclear Medicine, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
⁸ Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal

^* e-mail: michel.giot@uclouvain.be

Received: 18 May 2017
Received in final form: 4 September 2017
Accepted: 7 September 2017
Published online: 8 December 2017

Abstract

The ANIMMA conferences offer a unique opportunity to discover research carried out in all fields of nuclear measurements and instrumentation with applications extending from fundamental physics to fission and fusion reactors, medical imaging, environmental protection and homeland security. After four successful editions of the Conference, it was decided to prepare a review based to a large extent but not exclusively on the papers presented during the first four editions of the conference. This review is organized according to the measurement methodologies: neutronic, photonic, thermal, acoustic and optical measurements, as well as medical imaging and specific challenges linked to data acquisition and electronic hardening. The paper describes the main challenges justifying research in these different areas, and summarizes the recent progress reported. It offers researchers and engineers a way to quickly and efficiently access knowledge in highly specialized areas.