scholarly journals State-of-the-Art Mobile Radiation Detection Systems for Different Scenarios

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1051
Author(s):  
Luís Marques ◽  
Alberto Vale ◽  
Pedro Vaz
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Radiation Detection ◽  
Nuclear Materials ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Silicon Photomultiplier ◽  
Radioactive Materials ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Cooperative Detection ◽  
New Research

In the last decade, the development of more compact and lightweight radiation detection systems led to their application in handheld and small unmanned systems, particularly air-based platforms. Examples of improvements are: the use of silicon photomultiplier-based scintillators, new scintillating crystals, compact dual-mode detectors (gamma/neutron), data fusion, mobile sensor networks, cooperative detection and search. Gamma cameras and dual-particle cameras are increasingly being used for source location. This study reviews and discusses the research advancements in the field of gamma-ray and neutron measurements using mobile radiation detection systems since the Fukushima nuclear accident. Four scenarios are considered: radiological and nuclear accidents and emergencies; illicit traffic of special nuclear materials and radioactive materials; nuclear, accelerator, targets, and irradiation facilities; and naturally occurring radioactive materials monitoring-related activities. The work presented in this paper aims to: compile and review information on the radiation detection systems, contextual sensors and platforms used for each scenario; assess their advantages and limitations, looking prospectively to new research and challenges in the field; and support the decision making of national radioprotection agencies and response teams in respect to adequate detection system for each scenario. For that, an extensive literature review was conducted.

scholarly journals Compact lightweight imager of both gamma rays and neutrons based on a pixelated stilbene scintillator coupled to a silicon photomultiplier array

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihwan Boo ◽  
Mark D. Hammig ◽  
Manhee Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Rays ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Sampling Rate ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Pulse Shape Discrimination ◽  
Nuclear Materials ◽  
Silicon Photomultiplier ◽  
Analog To Digital ◽  
Particle Imaging ◽  
Imaging Plane

AbstractDual particle imaging, in which both neutrons and gamma-rays in the environment can be individually characterized, is particularly attractive for monitoring mixed radiation emitters such as special nuclear materials (SNM). Effective SNM localization and detection benefits from high instrument sensitivity so that real-time imaging or imaging with a limited number of acquired events is enabled. For portable applications, one also desires a dual particle imager (DPI) that is readily deployable. We have developed a hand-held type DPI equipped with a pixelated stilbene-silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array module and low sampling-rate analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) processed via a multiplexed readout. The stilbene-SiPM array (12 × 12 pixels) is capable of effectively performing pulse shape discrimination (PSD) between gamma-ray and neutron events and neutron/gamma-ray source localization on the imaging plane, as demonstrated with 252Cf neutron/gamma and 137Cs gamma-ray sources. The low sampling rate ADCs connected to the stilbene-SiPM array module result in a compact instrument with high sensitivity that provides a gamma-ray image of a 137Cs source, producing 6.4 μR/h at 1 m, in less than 69 s. A neutron image for a 3.5 × 105 n/s 252Cf source can also be obtained in less than 6 min at 1 m from the center of the system. The instrument images successfully with field of view of 50° and provides angular resolution of 6.8°.

scholarly journals Design and Optimisation of a Three Layers Thermal Neutron, Fast Neutron and Gamma-Ray Imaging System

2020 ◽  
Vol 225 ◽  
pp. 07002
Author(s):  
H. Al Hamrashdi ◽  
S. D. Monk ◽  
D. Cheneler
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Fast Neutrons ◽  
Silicon Photomultiplier ◽  
Current Configuration ◽  
Lithium Glass ◽  
Gamma Ray Imaging ◽  
Small Form Factor

The design and configuration of a multi-layered imaging system with the ability to detect thermal neutrons, fast neutrons and gamma rays has been developed and its efficacy demonstrated. The work presented here numerically determines the systems efficiency and spatial resolution, using 252Cf and 137Cs as a case study. The novelty of this detection system lies in the use of small form factor detectors in a three-layer design, which utilises neutron elastic scattering and Compton scattering simultaneously. The current configuration consists of 10 mm thick natural lithium glass (GS10) scintillator integrated with a 20 mm thick plastic scintillator (EJ-204) in the first layer, a 15 mm thick lithium glass (GS10) scintillator in the second and a 30 mm thick CsI(Tl) scintillator forming the final layer. Each of these layers is backed with an 8 x 8 silicon photomultiplier diode (SiPM) array. The overall size of the imaging system is 27 mm x 27 mm x 135 mm. MCNPv6.1 and Geant4-10.04 were alternatively used to optimise the overall configuration and to investigate detection modalities. Results show promising performance with high precision source localisation and characterization abilities. Measurements were virtually obtained of two gamma-ray sources within steel enclosures at angles of 15°, 30° and 50° separation in order to test spatial resolution ability of the system. With the current active size of the system and the 8x8 SiPM configuration, the results estimate the spatial resolution to be close to 30°. The ability of the system to characterise and identify sources based on the type and energy of the radiation emitted, has been investigated and results show that for all radiation types the system can identify the source energy within the energy range of typical reported sources in literature.

scholarly journals UAV prototype for localization and identification of radioactive contamination and emitters

2021 ◽  
Vol 253 ◽  
pp. 08001
Author(s):  
S. Moretto ◽  
F.E. Pino Andrades ◽  
J. Delgado ◽  
C.L. Fontana ◽  
D. Fabris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Gamma Spectroscopy ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Sampling Rate ◽  
Radiation Detection ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Discrimination Capability ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Data Acquisition Module

The Dragon (Drone for RAdiation detection of Gammas and Neutrons) prototype aims at designing and developing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a detection system able to identify radioactive materials, spread over an area or located in a specific position. The system is focused on the localization of the unknown emitter and its subsequently identification. The proposed prototype is made up of two easily interchangeable detection systems, one will be used as a counter while the second will be aimed to perform goodresolution gamma spectroscopy. Both solutions have neutron gamma discrimination capability in order to be suitable for special nuclear materials (SNM) detection in gamma contamination background. The data acquisition module is made up of a compact digitizer board (RedPitaya, sampling rate of 125 MHz and 14 bits of resolution.), a mini computer (Raspberry, for example). This combination allows to install an embedded operating system (e.g. Linux) that can run the necessary software for the Data Acquisition (DAQ), like the ABCD distributed DAQ. Our contribution will be aimed to show a comprehensive characterization of the two detection systems, a medium size CLLB scintillation detector, and a large plastic scintillator, EJ-276, in order to assess their potential use in a UAV-based radiation monitoring system.

scholarly journals Passive Gamma-Ray and Neutron Imaging Systems for National Security and Nuclear Non-Proliferation in Controlled and Uncontrolled Detection Areas: Review of Past and Current Status

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 2638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajir Al Hamrashdi ◽  
Stephen D. Monk ◽  
David Cheneler
Keyword(s):  
National Security ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Neutron Imaging ◽  
Imaging Systems ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Nuclear Materials ◽  
Radioactive Materials ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Radioactive Sources ◽  
Unstable States

Global concern for the illicit transportation and trafficking of nuclear materials and other radioactive sources is on the rise, with efficient and rapid security and non-proliferation technologies in more demand than ever. Many factors contribute to this issue, including the increasing number of terrorist cells, gaps in security networks, politically unstable states across the globe and the black-market trading of radioactive sources to unknown parties. The use of passive gamma-ray and neutron detection and imaging technologies in security-sensitive areas and ports has had more impact than most other techniques in detecting and deterring illicit transportation and trafficking of illegal radioactive materials. This work reviews and critically evaluates these techniques as currently utilised within national security and non-proliferation applications and proposes likely avenues of development.

scholarly journals Hand-held Dual-particle Imager Implemented with a Multiplexed Low Sampling-rate Readout of a SiPM-based Pixelated Stilbene Array

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihwan Boo ◽  
Mark Hammig ◽  
Manhee Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Sampling Rate ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Pulse Shape Discrimination ◽  
Nuclear Materials ◽  
Silicon Photomultiplier ◽  
Analog To Digital ◽  
252Cf Source ◽  
Particle Imaging ◽  
Imaging Plane

Abstract Dual particle imaging, in which both neutrons and gamma-rays in the environment can be individually characterized, is particularly attractive for monitoring mixed radiation emitters such as special nuclear materials (SNM). Typical dual particle imagers (DPIs) are not readily deployable and easily portable for hand-held applications because they are implemented using bulky single-crystal scintillators and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) implemented with a 1:1 channel readout. Effective SNM localization and detection also benefits from high instrument sensitivity so that real-time imaging or imaging with a limited number of acquired events is enabled. We have developed a hand-held type DPI equipped with a pixelated stilbene-silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array module and low sampling-rate analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) processed via a multiplexed readout. The stilbene-SiPM array (12 × 12 pixels) is capable of effectively performing pulse shape discrimination (PSD) between gamma-ray and neutron events and neutron/gamma-ray source localization on the imaging plane, as demonstrated with 252Cf neutron/gamma and 137Cs gamma-ray sources. The low sampling rate ADCs connected to the stilbene-SiPM array module result in a compact instrument with high sensitivity that provides a gamma-ray image of a 137Cs source, producing 6.4 μR/h at 1 m, in less than 69 seconds. A neutron image for a 3.5 × 105 n/s 252Cf source can also be obtained in less than 6 minutes at 1 m from the center of the system. The instrument images successfully with field of view of 50° and provides angular resolution of 6.8°.

scholarly journals Developing and testing a miniature fiber-coupled scintillator for in-core neutron counting in CROCUS

2020 ◽  
Vol 225 ◽  
pp. 04018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Vitullo ◽  
Vincent Lamirand ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Mosset ◽  
Pavel Frajtag ◽  
Oskari Pakari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Physics ◽  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Reactor Power ◽  
Reactor Physics ◽  
Silicon Photomultiplier ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Neutron Counting ◽  
Paul Scherrer ◽  
École Polytechnique

An advanced neutron detection system for highly localized measurements in nuclear reactor cores was developed and tested in the Laboratory for Reactor Physics and System Behaviour (LRS) at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, in close collaboration with the Detector group of the Laboratory for Particle Physics (LTP) at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland. The miniature-size detector is based on the coupling of a ZnS:6LiF scintillator/converter screen of 1 mm2 and 0.2 mm thickness with a 10-m optical fiber, the latter being connected to a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM). In this development version, the output signal is processed via analog read-out electronics. The present work documents the characterization of a detection system prototype in the mixedradiation fields o f t he C ARROUSEL f acility a nd i ts t esting in the CROCUS zero-power reactor operated at LRS. The fibercoupled scintillator shows a linear response with the reactor power increase up to 6.5 W (i.e. around 108 cm-2s-1 total neutron flux), with a s ubsequent l oss o f l inearity d ue t o e lectronic dead time of the analog system. Nevertheless, the detector shows excellent neutron counting capabilities whether compared to other localized detection systems available at LRS, e.g. miniature fission chambers and an sCVD diamond detector.

Comparison of Scintillation Light Yield of CWO and BGO Single Crystals for Gamma Ray Detection

2020 ◽  
Vol 901 ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Akapong Phunpueok ◽  
Voranuch Thongpool ◽  
Sarawut Jaiyen ◽  
Hua Shu Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Resolution ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Radiation Detection ◽  
Light Yield ◽  
Stopping Power ◽  
Good Energy Resolution ◽  
Scintillation Light ◽  
Radioactive Materials ◽  
Yield Value ◽  
Good Energy

Nowadays, radioactive materials are being applied in medical imaging. Because humans cannot observe radiation, radiation detection materials are very important to humans. A scintillator is a material that can change gamma photons to visible photons. Good scintillators should have the following properties: high scintillation light yield, good energy resolution, and high density. In this work, the scintillation light yield property of CWO crystals was studied due to its interesting properties, such as high stopping power and low hygroscopicity. CWO crystals were compared with BGO crystals. From the results, it was found that the BGO crystals showed higher scintillation light yield value at 662 keV energy from 137Cs radioactive source than the CWO crystals, resulting in better energy resolution value. The intrinsic light yield and loss parameters for both crystals are also presented in this work.

scholarly journals A low-cost radiation detection system to monitor radioactive environments by unmanned vehicles

2021 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Chierici ◽  
Andrea Malizia ◽  
Daniele di Giovanni ◽  
Francesca Fumian ◽  
Luca Martellucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Radiation Detection ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Unmanned Vehicles ◽  
Nuclear Events ◽  
Spectroscopy System ◽  
High Standards ◽  
Dirty Bombs

AbstractUnconventional scenarios with hazardous radioactive levels are expected as consequences of accidents in the industrial sector of the nuclear energy production or following intentional releases of radioactive materials for terrorist purposes (dirty bombs, indoor contaminations, etc.). Nowadays, the need to balance the high standards of safety and security through an effective detection network is a matter of paramount importance. In this work, the authors’ challenge has been to design, realize and test a low-cost gamma detection and spectroscopy system which may be used in unmanned vehicles in general and/or drones with low payload capabilities. The designed platform may be used to carry out mapping or localization operations in order to reduce the risk factor for first responders or for the population affected by radiological and nuclear events. In this paper, the design process of a gamma ray detection and spectroscopy system based on affordable and commercially available technologies is presented along with the results of our ongoing characterization of the prototype.

Proposal of a Non-Destructive Detection System for Hidden Nuclear Materials Based on a Neutron/Gamma-ray Hybrid System

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (5(1)) ◽  
pp. 3155-3159 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Ohgaki ◽  
T. Kii ◽  
K. Masuda ◽  
M. Omer ◽  
T. Misawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid System ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Nuclear Materials ◽  
Non Destructive

An Integrated System for Conducting Radiological Surveys of Contaminated Sites

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay P. McCown ◽  
Donna M. Rogers ◽  
Charles A. Waggoner
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Radiation Detection ◽  
Digital Signal ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Lanthanum Bromide ◽  
Signal Processing Algorithms ◽  
Integrated Detection

This paper describes an integrated detection system that has been developed to conduct radiological surveys of sites suspected of contamination of materials such as depleted uranium. This system utilizes cerium activated lanthanum bromide and thallium activated sodium iodide gamma detectors and can be easily adapted to include units for detecting neutrons. The detection system includes software controlling the collection of radiological spectra and GPS data. Two different platforms are described for conducting surveys, a modified zero turn radius (ZTR) mower and a three-wheeled cart that is manually pushed. The detection system software controlling data collection has components that facilitate completing a gridless survey on user specified spacings. Another package confirms that all data quality activities (calibrations, etc.) are conducted prior to beginning the survey and also reviews data to identify areas that have been missed for which data quality falls below user designated parameters. Advanced digital signal processing algorithms are used to enhance the interpretation of spectra for conducting background subtractions and for mapping. Data from radiation detection instruments and GPS antennae are merged and made compatible with mapping using Geosoft Oasis montaj software. A summary of system performance during field-testing is included in the paper. This includes survey rate, detection limits, duty cycle, supporting ancillary equipment/material, and manpower requirements. The rate of false positives and false negatives is discussed with the benefits of surveys conducted using synergetic detection systems such as electromagnetic induction imaging.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document