Moussa N'Gom, Ph.D., a physicist at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), is spearheading efforts to create a quantum sensing probe that would allow for the accurate, contactless detection and characterization of rare nuclear materials.
Image Credit: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
The security of a nation heavily relies on the effective detection of nuclear materials at borders and beyond. To tackle this critical challenge, Dr. Moussa N’Gom, a physicist at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), is spearheading research to create a quantum sensing probe designed to detect and characterize special nuclear materials with precision and without physical contact. These materials, while only mildly radioactive, have the potential to be used in nuclear explosives.
This research is part of RPI’s involvement in the Consortium for Enabling Technologies and Innovation, one of two consortia recently established by the US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA). The initiative, which is backed by a $50 million investment, aims to enhance nuclear security and nonproliferation efforts. RPI is among 12 universities in this consortium, which is led by the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Dr. N’Gom, an associate professor of physics and applied physics at RPI, has named his project “Light with a Twist: An Adaptive Quantum Sensing Probe Using a Bright Single Photon Source for Remote Interaction, Detection, and Characterization of Special Nuclear Materials.” His team is developing an advanced quantum sensing probe that employs light-based spectroscopy and optics methods to offer a novel approach for nuclear material verification.
In a single photon source, whenever a first photon has shown up, the exact same photon is guaranteed to follow, allowing for precise timing and control. Any signal detected other than the source signal is a precise response or measurement from special nuclear materials with which the single photon interacts.
Moussa N’Gom, Associate Professor, Physics and Applied Physics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
The probe aims to provide enhanced precision in controlling, measuring, detecting, and characterizing special nuclear materials. Once the concept is fully developed, national laboratories will perform rigorous testing to ensure the technology's readiness for implementation in the private sector.
Dr. N’Gom’s project is leveraging quantum sensing techniques, which allow for detection of the change in environment due to the presence of special nuclear materials and other phenomena in a very precise way. I am proud that his research will contribute to such an important cause. His work represents another way that RPI, the first university to have an IBM Quantum System One on its campus, is exploring the vast potential of the quantum realm to conduct impactful research.
Curt Breneman, PhD, Dean, School of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute