Stand-alone and network capable pocket radiation detection system

A multi-functional and networked pocket radiation detection system has been developed at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) capable of detecting and storing gamma ray and neutron data. The device can be used as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with an array to cover a small or large area. The device has programmable alarm trigger levels that can be modified for specific applications. The data are stored with a date/time stamp and can be transferred and viewed on a PDA via direct connection or, in networked configuration, wireless connection to a remote central facility upon request. Data functional/bench tests have been completed successfully and the device was demonstrated to detect radiation from a 55.6 μCi 252Cf source at 5 m and from 1.4 mCi 252Cf source at 10 m which exceeds both ANSI and IAEA standards for pocket radiation detection. In terms of sensitivity, this detection system detects neutron and gamma-ray fields down to 10 μrem/h levels and therefore can find the location of the radioactive source quickly. The detection system is small enough to be put in a pocket or clipped to a belt.