Alexander Kondratyev, a leading engineer at GI, said nuclear physics has long ceased to be a field limited to nuclear power plants. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics. In a conversation with Lenta.ru, he named unexpected applications of science in everyday life.
“Tools to study matter at a deep level have become the basis of modern microchips, and technologies developed for nuclear experiments have formed the basis of detectors and measuring instruments used in everyday life,” the engineer shares.
He noted that in everyday life, people encounter such technologies more often than they think.
“Ionization fire detectors use small radioactive sources, MRI works based on the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance, and PET scanners use radioactive isotopes to diagnose diseases,” he said.
Kondratiev emphasized that without ultra-precise atomic clocks – one of the key achievements of nuclear physics – satellite navigation and synchronization of communication networks would be impossible.
The expert added: “Gamma radiation helps detect hidden cracks and defects in metal, concrete and welds without disassembling the structure. This increases the safety of bridges, buildings and equipment.”
According to him, radionuclide sensors are also used in logistics: they measure liquid levels, material density and even packaging quality.
In agriculture, we use radionuclides to monitor the movement of fertilizers and control soil pollution Engineer Alexander Kondratyev
The engineer emphasized that product safety is often precisely guaranteed thanks to the nuclear method. Thus, radiation sterilization destroys bacteria, mold spores and parasites in dried fruits, spices and some grains, extending shelf life without the need for chemicals. In addition, the radioisotope method helps monitor the tightness of packaging, detect heavy metal contamination and check the quality of the cling film, including its thickness.
Kondratiev also noted that nuclear methods are actively involved in the development of new environmentally friendly technologies and materials. In particular, research at the atomic level can create super-strong alloys and radiation-resistant coatings, which are already used in the aerospace and energy industries. At the same time, ion implantation helps improve the properties of polymers and semiconductors, radiation methods help clean wastewater, control emissions and develop catalysts for green chemistry.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of the world's first nuclear power system with a closed fuel cycle in 2030.
