Innovative sensing technologies for nuclear instrumentation

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is engaged in research and development activities for the development of nuclear instrumentation that contribute to advances in measurement methodologies, measurement systems, instrumentation, and sensors in the area of nuclear engineering. The activities described in this paper are centered on the INL Measurement Science Department, which was formed in 2018. Their mission is to develop instrumentation that provides real-time, accurate, spatially-resolved information regarding test conditions and the performance of fuels and materials during irradiation. This paper describes the integration of innovative optical fiber, acoustic, and electrical impedance sensing technologies and measurement techniques as part of the activities.