Radiation Science & Engineering Center

The Radiation Science & Engineering Center (RSEC) was established to manage Penn State's comprehensive nuclear research facilities, including the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, Gamma Irradiation Facility, Radioactive sources and Radiation measurement resources. The RESC provides safe nuclear analytical and testing facilities in support of the research and education activities of faculty, staff, and students at Penn State. The Center's resources are also available to users from other universities and educational institutions, governmental agencies, and corporations as part of the public service functions of the Penn StateUniversity, symbolized by its status as the Land Grant Institution of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The RSEC facilities, most of which are housed in the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor Building, are some of the most unique and flexible in the country.

The Technical staff of the center is available to: 
Provide research and academic services to the Penn State community and outside academic, government and corporate users including:

Current

  • Neutron Irradiation
  • Neutron Radiography
  • Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)
  • Radioactive Isotope Production
  • Neutron Transmission Measurement
  • Nuclear Detector Testing and Calibration
  • Radiation Effects Testing on Materials and Electronics
  • Gamma Irradiation
  • Teach academic, corporate and government users how to safely carry out experiments utilizing the center's facilities.
  • Provide undergraduate and graduate demonstrations, laboratory classes, and research opportunities.
  • Provide tours, workshops and training to public and professional users, pre-college and college level students and educators.

Under Development

  • Cold Neutron Source
  • Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA)
  • Neutron Depth Profiling (NDP)
  • Neutron Powder Diffraction (ND)
First Licensed Research Reactor July 8th 1955
 
 

About

The Radiation Science & Engineering Center (RSEC) was established to manage Penn State's comprehensive nuclear research facilities, including the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, Gamma Irradiation Facility, Radioactive sources and Radiation measurement resources. The RSEC provides safe nuclear analytical and testing facilities in support of the research and education activities of faculty, staff, and students at Penn State.

Radiation Science & Engineering Center

101 Breazeale Nuclear Reactor

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802-4710

Phone: 814-865-6351