Modern Measurements of Fission Reactor Power Spectral Density

Power spectral density measurement techniques allow to derive information on nuclear reactors. In specific conditions, one can obtain reactor’s kinetic parameters. At IRESNE institute, located at CEA Cadarache, the researchers of the Department of Reactor Studies have used for many years X-MODE and SPECTRON Data Acquisition systems (DAQ) to measure power spectral densities. Due to electronic components, computer, and software obsolescence, the Department started a refurbishment program. The new SCHMITT DAQ replaces X-MODE. It is based on a CAEN R7771 neutron pulse train recorder device, an industrial Linux computer, and a custom-made software. The latter, developed by the Department, is in charge of acquisition setting, data recording, post processing, and visualization. The paper describes the development of the SCHMITT DAQ. The software is written in an object-oriented approach and based on Qt framework for enhanced code portability and to allow using new standard software technologies. This new DAQ has been successfully completed and is ready to for a future qualification and usages. Current developments aim at including support for advanced nuclear data post-processing.