Abstract: The present invention provides a nuclear fuel comprising an actinide nitride such as 233U, 234U, 235U, 236U, 238U, 232Th, 239Pu, 240Pu, 241Pu, 242Pu, 244Pu, 239Np, 239Am, 240Am, 241Am, 242Am, 243Am, 244Am, 245Am, 240Cm, 241Cm, 242Cm, 243Cm, 244Cm, 245Cm, 246Cm, 247Cm, 248Cm, 249Cm, 259Cm, 245Bk, 246Bk, 247Bk, 248Bk, 249Bk, 250Bk, 248Cf, 249Cf, 250Cf, 251Cf, 252Cf, 253Cf, 254Cf, 255Cf, 249Es, 250Es, 251Es, 252Es, 253Es, 254Es, 255Es, 251Fm, 252Fm, 253Fm, 254Fm, 255Fm, 256Fm, 257Fm, 255Md, 256Md, 257Md, 258Md, 259Md, 260Md, 253No, 254No, 255No, 256No, 257No, 258No and 259No, and optionally fission products such as 97Tc, 98Tc and 99Tc, suitable for use in nuclear reactors, including those based substantially on thermal fission, such as light and heavy water reactors, gas-cooled nuclear reactors, liquid metal fast breeders or molten salt fast breeders. The fuel contains nitrogen which has been isotopically enriched to at least about 50% 15N, most preferably above 95%.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for detecting concealed fissile, fissionable or special nuclear material in an article, such as a shipping container, is provided. The article is irradiated with a source of fast neutrons, and fast neutrons released by the fissile or fissionable material, if present, are detected between source neutron pulses. The method uses a neutron detector that can detect and discriminate fast neutrons in the presence of thermal neutrons and gamma radiation. The detector is able to process high count rates and is resistant to radiation damage, and is preferably a solid state neutron detector comprised of silicon carbide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nuclear fuel rod, assembly comprising an actinide nitride such as uranium nitride, suitable for use in nuclear reactors, including those based substantially on thermal fission, such as light and heavy water or gas-cooled nuclear reactors. The fuel contains nitrogen which has been isotopically enriched to at least about 50% 15N, most preferably above 95%. The fuel can be in the form of particles, pellets, in annular form or other forms having high surface to volume ratios.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nuclear fuel comprising an actinide nitride such as uranium nitride, suitable for use in nuclear reactors, including those based substantially on thermal fission, such as light and heavy water or gas-cooled nuclear reactors. The fuel contains nitrogen which has been isotopically enriched to at least about 50% 15N, most preferably above 95%. The fuel can be in the form of particles, pellets, in annular form or other forms having high surface to volume ratios.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for detecting concealed fissile, fissionable or special nuclear material in an article, such as a shipping container, is provided. The article is irradiated with a source of fast neutrons, and fast neutrons released by the fissile or fissionable material, if present, are detected between source neutron pulses. The method uses a neutron detector that can detect and discriminate fast neutrons in the presence of thermal neutrons and gamma radiation. The detector is able to process high count rates and is resistant to radiation damage, and is preferably a solid state neutron detector comprised of silicon carbide.