Developing new capabilities in radioactive materials research

摘要

One of the key distinctions of performing experimental research to support the nuclear industry is that it is frequently necessary to work with materials that are radioactive. This requires specialist facilities and apparatus, and dedicated precautions due to stringent security, environmental and safety regulations. Whilst non-active analogues of these materials can be synthesised to serve the needs of preliminary experiments and to test the feasibility of hypotheses, testing with the real nuclear materials is usually essential prior to the uptake of any new material, technology or process by industry. Understandably, experimental research of this type can be more complicated than non-radioactive work, and is subject to important constraints, procedures and regulations.