Electromagnetic noise and propagation observations in the vicinity of a nuclear reactor

Electromagnetic noise and propagation measurements have been made in the vicinity of a nuclear reactor to determine whether reactor radiation would affect -band and VHF signals. No radiation effects were observed. A 15-foot -band propagation path was instrumented for observation of attenuation and phase changes. The over-all sensitivity was one part in or 10 units average over the path. Reactor radiation over the path was greater than roentgen per hour. No significant phase or attenuation change was observed as reactor power level varied. A 12-db noise figure, 8-mc bandwidth, 18-inch dish antenna, -band receiving system, and a 12-db noise figure, 4-mc bandwidth, tuned dipole antenna, 94-mc receiving system were pointed at the reactor from approximately 18 feet. No significant electromagnetic noise generated by reactor radiation was observed with these receiving systems.