Nuclear Physics for Nonproliferation and Safeguards Applications

Antineutrinos present a possible solution to nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation. Their emission is a direct signature of fission, and can help evaluate the operational status, fissile evolution, and fuel loading of nuclear reactors. Previous experimental campaigns dedicated to either fundamental science or nonproliferation have been integral toward driving the conceptualization of antineutrino applications closer towards a deployable tool through above-ground detectors using highly segmented arrays. Current efforts towards long-range reactor monitoring and exclusion are exploring the feasibility and constraints of detecting antineutrinos from remote nuclear facilities. Recently, efforts to engage end-users through community-based discussions focused on utility have helped to narrow the concentration of use-cases for antineutrino detections and define requirements for detector systems suitable for deployment.