XeBET

Operational Xenon Background Estimation Tool - CTBTO

The project focuses on the critical need to improve the operational understanding of radioxenon background concentrations detected at CTBTO (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation) IMS (International Monitoring System) stations. The primary source of this interference comes from civilian nuclear facilities, most notably those producing medical isotopes used in diagnostics and cancer treatment. Because the radioxenon isotopes released by these facilities (primarily Xenon-133) can exhibit isotopic ratios similar to those from a low-yield nuclear explosion, this background noise frequently masks potential nuclear test signals. By advancing fundamental research and improving atmospheric transport models (like FLEXPART), this project aims to more accurately model and subtract the global civilian signal. This capability is essential to ensure the highly sensitive IMS can reliably isolate and classify genuine radioxenon signals originating from an eventual nuclear bomb explosion, thereby upholding the integrity of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.