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Kodak's Nuclear Device: A 31-Year Research Journey Explained
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What Happened?
Kodak operated a nuclear device containing highly enriched uranium from 1975 to 2006 in Rochester, New York. A recent report clarifies its purpose and why it was not a self-sustaining reactor.
Key points
- Kodak's nuclear device operated for 31 years, from 1975 to 2006.
- The device contained about 3.5 pounds of highly enriched uranium.
- It was used for research, not for producing electricity or weapons.
- The machine was known as a californium neutron flux multiplier (CFX).
- It helped identify unwanted substances in materials using neutron activation analysis.
- The device was not a self-sustaining reactor and relied on californium for neutron supply.
Key insights
- The existence of the nuclear device raises questions about corporate access to nuclear materials.
- The research conducted could have implications for material safety in photography.
- The device's operation under government supervision highlights regulatory oversight in corporate research.
Why it matters
Understanding Kodak's use of nuclear technology sheds light on the company's broader research efforts.
Tags
Entities
Kodak· CompanyRochester· Citycalifornium· Technologyuranium· Material
Source
Times of India
