Solar Panel for Prompt Detection and Identification of Nuclear Detonations
Abstract
This project proposes to investigate the capability of photovoltaic (PV) panels in detecting, measuring, and defining the characteristic prompt signatures of a nuclear detonation through the emission of high energy photons (i.e., gamma-rays), neutrons, and electro-magnetic disturbances following the initial detonation by a nuclear warhead. Both commercialized solar cells (silicon) and promising next generation cells (perovskite) will be investigated. From modeling and acquiring near real-time experimental data, a deep level understanding will help us to predict any power surge or degradation patterns, which will enable an urban infrastructure such as a solar plant to sense the detonation of a nuclear bomb. The ultimate objective is to extract critical forensic information, such as weapon yield, from the results of this study. In addition to the study of the transient signatures for near real-time data acquisition, the degradation of the solar cell due to radiation damage, i.e., the ex-situ study, is also within the scope of this work. The unique experimental platform will enable a time-modulated neutron and gamma-ray beam to not only correlate the output signals with the onset of radiation, but also separate the gamma-rays effects from neutron induced signal change. The effects of the flash ball from the detonation on the solar facility output will also be taken into consideration as a joint signature produced in the optically sensitive solar cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11910024
Entities
People
- Raymond Cao
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Ohio State University