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Development of ultra-high-resolution magnetic microcalorimeters for isotopic analysis of actinides by X-


Thesis topic details

General information

Organisation

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.

Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.

The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
  

Reference

SL-DRT-25-0847  

Direction

DRT

Thesis topic details

Category

Technological challenges

Thesis topics

Development of ultra-high-resolution magnetic microcalorimeters for isotopic analysis of actinides by X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometry

Contract

Thèse

Job description

The PhD project focuses on the development of ultra-high-resolution magnetic microcalorimeters (MMCs) to improve the isotopic analysis of actinides (uranium, plutonium) by X- and gamma-ray spectrometry around 100 keV. This type of analysis, which is essential for the nuclear fuel cycle and non-proliferation efforts, traditionally relies on HPGe detectors, whose limited energy resolution constrains measurement accuracy. To overcome these limitations, the project aims to employ cryogenic MMC detectors operating at temperatures below 100 mK, capable of achieving energy resolutions ten times better than that of HPGe detectors. The MMCs will be microfabricated at CNRS/C2N using superconducting and paramagnetic microstructures, and subsequently tested at LNHB. Once calibrated, they will be used to precisely measure the photon spectra of actinides in order to determine the fundamental atomic and nuclear parameters of the isotopes under study with high accuracy. The resulting data will enhance the nuclear and atomic databases used in deconvolution codes, thereby enabling more reliable and precise isotopic analysis of actinides.

University / doctoral school

PHENIICS (PHENIICS)

Thesis topic location

Site

Saclay

Requester

Position start date

01/10/2025

Person to be contacted by the applicant

RODRIGUES Matias matias.rodrigues@cea.fr
CEA
DRT/DIN//LNHB-MA
LNHB
Bat 602
CEA-Saclay
91191 Gif sur Yvette
0169089316

Tutor / Responsible thesis director

LOIDL Martin martin.loidl@cea.fr
CEA
DRT/DIN//LNHB-MA
LNHB
Bat 602
CEA-Saclay
91191 Gif sur Yvette
01 69 08 42 77

En savoir plus


http://www.lnhb.fr/