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
X
-band and VHF signals. No radiation effects were observed. A 15-foot
X
-band propagation path was instrumented for observation of attenuation and phase changes. The over-all sensitivity was one part in
10^{5}
or 10
N
units average over the path. Reactor radiation over the path was greater than
10^{4}
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,
X
-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.