Ultrasensitive heat sensor tracks X-rays from nuclear materials

[Marlin]

Ultrasensitive heat sensor tracks X-rays from nuclear materials

https://cen.acs.org/physical-chemistry/nuclear-chemistry/nist-superconducting-heat-sensor-tracks-x-ray-emissions-nuclear-materials/104/web/2026/09

[Core Content]

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology developed a new microcalorimeter array to measure X-rays emitted by radioactive materials. The cryogenic device detects single photons with high precision, improving the separation of overlapping X-ray and gamma-ray signals from uranium, neptunium, and plutonium.

Accurately isolating these overlapping energy signatures helps technicians monitor nuclear fuel and waste more reliably at power plants and weapons facilities. As the deployment of small modular reactors increases demand for precise civilian material tracking, improved sensor resolution aids in distinguishing between commercial and military-grade isotopes. However, high costs and complex cryogenic cooling requirements currently limit widespread commercial adoption.

Device can boost accuracy in monitoring radioactivity at power plants and weapons facilities

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Read the full article at Chemical & Engineering News:
https://cen.acs.org/physical-chemistry/nuclear-chemistry/nist-superconducting-heat-sensor-tracks-x-ray-emissions-nuclear-materials/104/web/2026/09