Application of reactor antineutrinos: Neutrinos for Peace

In nuclear reactors, ²³⁹Pu are produced along with burn-up of nuclear fuel. ²³⁹Pu is subject of safeguard controls since it is an explosive component of nuclear weapon. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is watching undeclared operation of reactors to prevent illegal production and removal of ²³⁹Pu. In operating reactors, a huge numbers of anti electron neutrinos (ν-e) are produced. Neutrino flux is approximately proportional to the operating power of reactor in short term and long term decrease of the neutrino flux per thermal power is proportional to the amount of ²³⁹Pu produced. Thus rector ν-e's carry direct and real time information useful for the safeguard purposes. Since ν-e can not be hidden, it could be an ideal medium to monitor the reactor operation. IAEA seeks for novel technologies which enhance their ability and reactor neutrino monitoring is listed as one of such candidates. Currently neutrino physicists are performing R&D of small reactor neutrino detectors to use specifically for the safeguard use in response to the IAEA interest. In this proceedings of the neutrino2012 conference, possibilities of such reactor neutrinos application and current world-wide R&D status are described.