SAUNA QB - Array: The realization of a new concept in radioxenon detection.

We introduce a new concept in radioxenon detection - the radioxenon Array, defined as a system where air sampling and activity measurement is performed at multiple locations, using measurement units that are less sensitive, but on the other hand less costly, and easier to install and operate, compared to current state-of-the-art radioxenon systems. The inter-unit distance in the Array is typically hundreds of kilometres. Using synthetic nuclear explosions together with a parametrized measurement system model, we argue that, when such measurement units are combined into an Array, the aggregated verification performance (detection, location, and characterization) can be high. The concept has been realized by developing a measurement unit named SAUNA QB, and the world's first radioxenon Array is now operating in Sweden. The operational principles and performance of the SAUNA QB and the Array is described, and examples of first measured data are presented, indicating a measurement performance according to expectations.

SAUNA field - A sensitive system for analysis of radioxenon in soil gas samples.

A high throughput system for processing and detection of low levels of radioxenon in soil gas samples has been developed. Processing and analysis of sub-soil noble gas samples puts high demands on the gas separation part of the system since the samples might contain high levels of Rn, CO2 as well as other gases. The gas process is optimized to remove all CO2, H2O and Rn with a high recovery yield of the xenon in the sample to ensure a high sensitivity even for small samples. The system is designed to handle multiple samples per day with a high level of automation and sample traceability to be suitable for use in an on-site inspection (OSI) an important component in the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. To ensure a rapid deployment the system could be pre-installed in a flight container.