CRIS II body with mounted nikon lens and neckstrap

See the Invisible: Real-Time Spent Fuel Verification with CRIS II

The newest generation Cerenkov Radiation Inspection System (CRIS II) is a hand-held Cerenkov imaging system designed to reveal Cerenkov radiation emitted by spent nuclear fuel. Powered by a high-sensitivity image intensifier tuned for a specific portion of the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, CRIS II amplifies subtle emissions so that irradiated fuel assemblies stored in fuel ponds become visible through custom optics. 

The device is engineered for ease of use, portability, and rapid on-the-spot inspection. Whether you're verifying spent fuel for safeguards, routine maintenance, or regulatory compliance, CRIS II gives you a reliable, immediate verification method with no intrusive sampling and no delays.

CRIS II with UV Zoom lens mounted and side image of fuel assembly as seen with CRIS II

Versatile, Portable, and Built for Real-World Safeguards Use

Because CRIS II is only sensitivity in certain ultraviolet wavelengths (290–340 nm), it can operate effectively even under normal lighting conditions around a spent fuel pond, eliminating the need to turn off overhead lighting. 

Its sensitivity depends on the amount of Cerenkov light produced (which varies with the burn-up and cooling time of the fuel), but for sufficiently active assemblies, CRIS II delivers clear, dependable visual confirmation. Also, thanks to modular lens options (including a custom-designed UV-zoom lens), the system can be tailored for wide-field scanning of large pools or detailed inspection of individual assemblies.

UV Zoom Lens side view

UV Zoom Lens Compatible, or Easily Customizable for Different Lens Options

The CRIS II can be easily customized to accept different lenses depending on the needs of the application. For the application of Cerenkov Light Imaging, shorter focal lengths are typically used for larger PWR fuel assemblies or wide-field viewing of the pond. Longer focal lengths are used for viewing smaller BWR fuels or detailed viewing of Cerenkov characteristics of individual assemblies.

A custom designed 80-200 mm UV Zoom lens developed by Channel Systems is available which has been specially designed for this application. The UV Zoom lens is optically fast to enable verification of fuels with low Cerenkov light production. The wide-angle view (80 mm) allows for viewing multiple fuel assemblies at once and the telephoto setting (200 mm) allows for detailed examination of an assembly, all without having to change the lens.

CRIS II Key Features:

  • High sensitivity image intensifier
  • User selectable gain
  • Customizable to accommodate any brand and model of smart phone
  • Digital and analog module options available
  • Digital module comes with rechargeable battery pack
CRIS II body with mounted nikon lens and neckstrap

System Components:

  • UV Zoom Lens
  • UV Bandpass Filter
  • Intensifier
  • Digital and/or Analog Viewing Module
  • Neck Strap
  • Transport Case

Technical Specifications

Specification

CRIS II

Intensifier

Manufacturer Photonis
Input Diameter (mm) 17.5
Photon Gain (typical)(photons/photon) 10,000
Resolution (lp/mm) 64
Phosphor Type P43

Filter

Bandpass 295-340 nm
% Transmission 80
Transmission Outside 295-340 nm <0.1

UV Zoom Lens

Manufacturer Channel Systems
Focal Length (mm) 80-200
Aperture F/3.2
Focus Range (m) 3m to infinity
Optical Filter Transmission % 85

Physical

Shipping Cases: Exterior Dimensions (mm) 462 x 340 x 170
Total Shipping Weight (Kg) 5
CRIS II with Analog Module Weight (no lens, kg) 0.91
CRIS II with Smartphone Module Weight (no lens, kg) 1.2
Operating Time (approx, hrs) 40
Power Source 4 AA Cell Batteries

Environmental

Operating Temperature (°C) 5 to 40
Storage Temperature (°C) -30 to 30
Relative Humidity (%, non-condensing) <80

Additional Information