The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has announced is first virtual-reality experience, offering viewers full access to OPAL, Australia’s only nuclear reactor.
In a statement, ANSTO said that for security reasons, few people had the opportunity to see the real OPAL up-close.
“Now, with technology that will be shared at a select few locations and through a free VR app, you can take a deep dive into Australia’s only nuclear reactor,” ANSTO said.
“Entering the unseen world of atoms, you will be able to follow three possible journeys of the neutron, an extremely useful subatomic particle produced in the core of the OPAL multipurpose reactor.”
It said that by splitting uranium atoms to generate trillions of neutrons every second, OPAL made a range of unique services possible at ANSTO’s facility at Lucas Heights, NSW.
“One of OPAL’s primary roles is to transform elements into nuclear medicine, helping to create a society in which everyone can enjoy good health,” the Organisation said.
“The nuclear medicine produced in OPAL will be used, on average, by one-in-two Australians for the detection and diagnosis of various illnesses or the treatment of some forms of cancer.”
It said the transformative abilities of ANSTO’s neutrons also assisted with the production of advanced technology.
“Placing ingots of silicon near the reactor enhanced their electrical conductivity when neutrons changed some of the silicon atoms into phosphorus atoms,” it said.
“The resulting ‘doped’ silicon is suitable for use in high-end electronics, such as those used in satellites or hybrid cars, helping create a world in which we can all live sustainably.”
ANSTO said that in addition to transforming elements for health and industry, OPAL’s ample supply of neutrons also drove a suite of state-of-the-art scientific instruments.
The Organsation’s new VR app can be downloaded free from the App Store and Google’s Play Store.
