# Paul Scherrer Institute nuclear research advancements

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paul-scherrer-institute-nuclear-research-advancements
> Updated: 2026-10-27T10:45:01.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have achieved technical milestones in nuclear material analysis and safety monitoring.

Initial developments focused on material integrity, where scientists utilized high-resolution 3D X-ray imaging at the Swiss Light Source to study corrosion on nuclear fuel rod cladding. By examining zirconium oxide layers at a nanometer scale, the team confirmed that protective oxide layers remained effective and leak-tight after service, providing data to improve the evaluation of radioactive fuel containment components.

Subsequent research expanded into emergency response capabilities through the development of a rapid airborne radioactivity detection method. In collaboration with the University of Michigan, PSI researchers implemented a Bayesian inference framework to analyze gamma-ray signatures from helicopters. Field tests in Switzerland demonstrated that this system can identify radioactive sources from 100 feet in the air with high precision, allowing for near-instantaneous analysis to assist emergency responders during accidents or security incidents.

## Claims

- Researchers can locate radioactive sources from a helicopter with less than two meters of deviation. (reported by 4 sources)
- The method requires only six seconds of measurement data to identify sources. (reported by 4 sources)
- The system determined radiation strength with less than four percent deviation from lab measurements. (reported by 4 sources)
- The technology combines radiation simulations with a statistical calculation model. (reported by 4 sources)
- Testing was conducted using a Super Puma helicopter with four radiation detectors. (reported by 4 sources)
- Measurement flights took place on June 16, 2022, near Thun. (reported by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Paul Scherrer Institute researchers develop rapid airborne radioactivity detection

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a method to detect and locate radioactive materials from helicopters in seconds, significantly improving emergency response capabilities.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paul-scherrer-institute-develops-helicopter-based-radioactivity-detection

### 2026-10-14: Paul Scherrer Institute researchers use X-rays to study nuclear fuel rod corrosion

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute used advanced 3D X-ray imaging to study corrosion in nuclear fuel rod cladding, detecting microscopic changes as small as 80 nanometers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paul-scherrer-institute-researchers-use-x-rays-to-study-nuclear-fuel-rod-corrosion

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Cite as: Paul Scherrer Institute nuclear research advancements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paul-scherrer-institute-nuclear-research-advancements