NIST-Developed Quantum Sensors Improve Nuclear Monitoring

[Marlin]

NIST-Developed Quantum Sensors Improve Nuclear Monitoring

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/09/nist-developed-quantum-sensors-improve-nuclear-monitoring

[Core Content]

An array of sensors appear as a set of rectangles within a gold-colored metal frame.

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have measured X-ray emissions from uranium, plutonium, and neptunium with high precision. Using superconducting transition edge sensors, the team reduced measurement uncertainty by up to eight times. This advancement helps filter out background noise that traditionally masks critical gamma-ray signatures in nuclear materials.

Accurate characterization of nuclear material is essential for international safeguards, facility accounting, and determining enrichment levels for fuel or weapons. By subtracting obscuring radiation, these cryogenic detectors allow technicians to assess material composition more rapidly between fuel cycle steps. The technology is already deployed at several Department of Energy laboratories to support routine operations.

New X-ray measurements will allow scientists to more accurately monitor nuclear material at power plants and weapons facilities.

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/09/nist-developed-quantum-sensors-improve-nuclear-monitoring

Read the full article at NIST:
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/09/nist-developed-quantum-sensors-improve-nuclear-monitoring