Dozens of experts and young professionals receive hands-on training in developing and maintaining nuclear instrumentation every year at the IAEA Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory (NSIL) in Seibersdorf. Due to restrictions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person trainings and lectures are not possible, but this has not slowed down the work of the lab. NSIL provides support in the effective utilization of nuclear instrumentation and analytical techniques, with a focus on mobile radiation monitoring, X ray spectrometry, accelerator technologies, and compact neutron generators.
In order to continue training under pandemic restrictions, the Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Portal was launched in November 2020, offering numerous e-learning materials, software tools for data interpretation and technical documents related to nuclear instrumentation, as well as a virtual tour of the experimental facilities at NSIL.
Take a virtual tour
You can dive into the world of nuclear instrumentation by taking the virtual tour of the experimental facilities, and explore the various applications of nuclear instrumentation in fields as diverse as cultural heritage, the environment and industry.
E-learning courses offered
“We established this new online platform to be able to address knowledge gaps and capacity building needs in nuclear instrumentation also in times of the pandemic,” said Roman Padilla Alvarez, Nuclear Instrumentation Physicist at the IAEA. “Over the last three months, the portal was visited by nearly 450 unique users from 68 countries.”
Experts, young professionals and students can find a suite of e-materials on the new platform, including:
- general information on the nuclear instrumentation techniques available at NSIL;
- references to relevant technical documents and reports;
- software tools for analysis and data interpretation;
- databases and interactive maps featuring X ray fluorescence (XRF) labs, accelerators, research reactors, neutron beam instruments, medical cyclotrons, fusion devices and irradiation facilities;
- information on proficiency tests organized by NSIL;
- training opportunities offered at NSIL;
- relevant e-learning training courses.
The newest e-learning courses developed include:
Quality Assurance of XRF Analysis of Airborne Particulate Matter
This course gives an overview on how to apply XRF techniques to analyse airborne particulate matter (APM) samples. APM is fine dust in the air, which is dangerous for human health. Particles, for instance, from fog, mist or smog can travel down to people’s lungs. XRF techniques are effective in measuring the concentration of several elements that can be used as tracers to identify the sources of the APM pollution.
Introduction to Total Reflection X ray Fluorescence
Total reflection X ray fluorescence (TXRF) is a precise and low cost surface elemental analysis technique often used for the ultra-trace analysis of particles, residues, and impurities on smooth surfaces.
Introduction to electrostatic accelerators
The course covers a broad range of topics, from basic principles to operation and maintenance of accelerators and associated infrastructure and components.
Have a look at all e-learning materials here, and stay tuned for further courses, which will be published shortly.
