Bio
I am interested in understanding electrical dielectrics aging mechanisms (i.e., cable). I am also interested in degradation or change in properties of photonic dielectrics (i.e., optical fiber). Specifically, I am interested in the use of fiber as a sensor (changes in magnetic field, temperature, vibration). Fusion Superconductor Magnet coils operate at cryogenic temperatures with a high level of radiation. It is important to monitor these coils as a rapid rise in temperature and superconductivity would be lost. Rad Hard Sensing fibers work well at high temperatures. Though the radiation darkens the fiber, heat helps improve the problem. This is not the response in the diffusion-limited case of cryogenic temperatures. I am interested in finding a material/parameter "window of opportunity" in rad hard fiber such that we could sense magnetic fields and thermal spikes despite the radiation and low temperatures of the Fusion superconductive magnet coils.
There are great things going on in the development of Advanced Reactors! But there are challenges in the licensing process that are likely to profoundly delay the deployment of these technologies. First-of-a-kind technologies must prove safety with reasonable assurance. Many Codes and Standards have yet to be written - and it takes years for this process to come to fruition. These present areas of uncertainty. The nuclear industry has developed strategic Pathways for licensing but these specific areas of uncertainty are Tactical. They can be properly addressed collaboratively - provided SMEs work together effectively on prioritized cases. This process is intended to anticipate, address and reduce the number of "Requests for Additional Information" posed by the regulator. This should help the license Applicant, the Regulator and the Standards Development Organizations with Technical Reports addressing questions that the regulator would ask. As tactical tool to facilitate the current pathways, I have started CARL, the Coalition for Advanced Reactor Licensing, a virtual collaboration workspace with policies and procedures (like a Standards Organization but Technical Reports are more timely outputs). Please take a look at the CARL landing page below and reach out if you have interest &/or would like to learn more.