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Research

Fundamental research for understanding the structure and internal interactions of atomic nuclei is performed both with theoretical modelling and experimental activities at accelerator-based facilities with state-of-the-art detector arrays for radiation detection. With these techniques, the complex quantum behaviour of this many-body proton/neutron system can be probed e.g. with measurements of excitation energies and lifetimes at extreme angular momentum and in nuclei far from stability. With our long experience in radiation detector technology our research activities also include several applications of nuclear- and radiation physics, such as advanced detector techniques for nuclear safeguards, micro/nano dosimetry in radiation therapy fields, and underwater radon measurements for finding earthquake precursors.

A large part of our research activities is directly concerned with novel nuclear reactor designs, including the many safety aspects related to these systems. This includes design and safety of Gen III+ light-water reactors, Gen IV reactors, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Several projects in the NSE division focus on nuclear power safety, including research on thermal-hydraulics and severe accident phenomena in both existing and future nuclear power plants. The research groups in the NSE division have decades of experience in method development in the relevant research fields, including Monte-Carlo simulation of reactor core designs, thermo-mechanic and thermal-hydraulic modelling of nuclear plants, heat transfer in super-critical water, modelling of severe accidents, and modelling of future nuclear fuel cycle scenarios.

The behaviour of materials is a crucial aspect for designing reactor systems. An important part of our research activities are therefore connected to material physics, both in connection to radiation damage and to interaction between reactor materials, e.g. lead, steel, and fission products. This involves both advanced modelling and computer simulations and experimental research.

Our research is coordinated by our senior faculty and research staff in the list below. For more information on the research and contact information, follow the links.