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Laser-crystal sensor measures strong magnetic fields in challenging environments
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have patented a magneto-optical sensor, which uses a rare earth crystal and laser light to measure the strength of intense magnetic fields and electrical currents.
“We think this technology is a pretty major improvement in measuring magnetic fields,” said Israel Owens, a Sandia physicist and co-inventor of the sensor. “We think it’ll be essential especially for research in fusion, high-energy physics, and the power utilities industry. We’re really excited about where things are going.”
Hans Gransell, R. Höglund
Nuclear Technology | Volume 38 | Number 1 | April 1978 | Pages 144-154
Technical Paper | Low-Temperature Nuclear Heat / Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT78-A16167
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The SECURE reactor was developed by a Finnish-Swedish project group in 1976–1977. It is a small low-pressure and low-temperature nuclear plant for district heating purposes. The special safety requirements for a reactor of this kind have led to an unconventional design with certain inherent safety features to guarantee safe shutdown without the use of any active components. The reactor is located inside a large, slightly pressurized pool containing cold water with about 1000 ppm natural boron. On shutdown, the pool water flows into the primary system to keep the reactor subcritical. Boron is also used for power control, whereas burnup is compensated for by use of the burnable absorber Gd2O3.