Domain, Specialties : Instrumentation
Keywords:
Muon tomography, simulation, Geant4, nuclear waste
Research Unit : DEDIP / DETECS
Summary
Muography is an imaging technique that allows to scan very opaque objects, that cannot be analysed with other techniques (like X rays). At CEA Irfu, we use muography to scan various objects like nuclear reactors, nuclear waste packages or even the great pyramid of Khufu. The team is developing an ongoing R&D program for detector instrumentation, signal processing, and data analysis. In collaboration with Framatome, the CEA aims to study the performance of a muon tomography bench based on CEA technology for monitoring nuclear spent fuel storage and transport containers.
Full description
– Context
Muography is a non-invasive and non-destructive scanning method for large structures; it is is currently being considered as a potential technique for a large variety of applications going from volcanology to geophysics, engineering or nuclear domain.
Taking advantage of the capability of atmospheric muons to go through long distances of matter before being absorbed or deviated (on the contrary to X rays for example), muons track reconstruction allows the study and the imaging of the traversed objects using different analysis techniques (absorption, transmission or deviation).
At Irfu, the group working on muography performs measurements using instruments based on Micromegas (MICRO MEsh GASeous Structure) detectors. Invented at Irfu, Micormegas were conceived originally to be used at nuclear and particle physics experiments. Among the measurements done by the group from 2015, those of the “château d’eau” at Saclay, the Khufu’s pyramid or, lately, of nuclear reactors undergoing decommissioning at CEA Marcoule, can be highlighted. These results triggered the interest of several industrial groups in France and all along Europe for the previously mentioned applications or to new ones.
– Goal
The intern will be required to compile a literature review of existing container models and those being considered for Framatome. After selecting a representative model, Geant4 simulations will be used to estimate the performance (image resolution, acquisition time, etc.) of a muon tomography system for monitoring the container model.
During this internship, the intern will:
• research and interact with our partner Framatome
• learn how a muon telescope works (principles, data, etc.)
• learn to design a geometric model in GDML format
• simulate a muon spectrum in Geant4
• propagate muons within the geometric model
• test and characterize the chosen method in different configurations between the container and muon detectors
• perform energy cuts to improve reconstruction and image quality
Location
Saclay
Internship conditions
- Internship duration: 3 months
- Level of study: Bac+4/5
- Training: Master 2
- Continuation in PhD thesis: No
- Application deadline: 1 mars 2026
Experimental skills
Language : English
Useful methods and technics:
We expect the candidate to have a good level of programming skills, such as Python for data analysis (numpy, matplotlib, etc.), and to be curious. We also expect a basic understanding of physics. Experience with C/C++ and/or root will be appreciated. Otherwise, these skills must be acquired during the internship.
Computer languages and software:
Python, Geant4, C/C++, ROOT
Links
Site web du laboratoire : https://irfu.cea.fr/Phocea/Vie_des_labos/Ast/ast_technique.php?id_ast=4432
Supervisor
David ATTIÉ
Phone: 0683333693
Email :
Head of the laboratory DEDIP / DETECS
Fabien JEANNEAU
Phone: