JRR-3
JRR-3 achieved its first criticality in 1962 as the first research reactor constructed with domestic technology and has been utilized by a multitude of researchers since the dawn of nuclear research and industry. In 1990, JRR-3 was modified to improve its performance, and it resumed operation as a high-performance and multipurpose research reactor with thermal power of 20 MW. JRR-3 has several facilities for neutron beam experiments, irradiation experiments for nuclear fuel and material, and production of RI and silicon semiconductors. Cold neutron (very low energy neutron) beams are available and utilized for research of life phenomena by analyzing the structure of polymer molecules, for example.
An outside view of the JRR-3 reactor building
A bird's-eye view of the JRR-3 reactor building
A cutaway view of the JRR-3 reactor
The reactor core and heavy water tank glowing with the blue light of Cherenkov radiation
◎ Specifications of JRR-3
| Purpose: | Beam experiments, Irradiation experiments of fuels and materials, RI production, Activation analysis, etc. |
| Type: | Light water moderated and cooled, pool type reactor that uses low-enriched uranium |
| Maximum thermal power: | 20 MW |
| Maximum thermal neutron flux: | Approximately 3×1018m-2s-1 |
◎ Link to JRR-3 homepage
→ http://jrr3.jaea.go.jp/jrr3e/index.htm