The detector was developed in Los Alamos' Advanced Nuclear Technology (N-2) Group and has been deployed to radiological response team members for advanced analysis of potentially radioactive items.
"We are pleased to find that these judges have found value in our work — we know how important it is to get accurate, effective radiation-detection equipment into the right hands with the right level of usability. In addition, we've found that innovative uses of tools such as personal digital assistants, in combination with Los Alamos' longtime expertise in nuclear detection analysis, are key to accomplishing homeland security missions in the rapid time frame required," said William Murray, leader on the handheld device's development.
Running on a lightweight handheld from palmOne, and using wireless technology to transmit data, first responders or border officials can identify most radioactive sources on the spot and can send information to experts who can provide further analysis, as needed. The device is a handheld, cadmium-zinc-telluride isotope detector capable of identifying gamma and neutron radiation emitted by radioactive materials. CZT is a semiconductor material that has the ability to detect various energy levels of radiation.
In real time, this device produces high-quality data in a portable system that is not sensitive to extreme variations in temperature or environment. The detector hardware includes a CZT crystal housed within the preamplifier. The unit also has read-out electronics to conduct the measurements of any radioactive materials present and provide analysis of those samples.
Using the detector, operators can identify whether a radiation source is near, how close that source is, what the radiation source is, what radioactive materials may be involved and how much of the material exists, based on the data collected by the detector and analyzed by an on-board microcomputer.
The InfoWorld awards honor companies that demonstrate the most creative use of cutting-edge technologies to further their business goals. Companies and organizations were nominated by InfoWorld readers, technology partners and end-user companies in early Fall 2003. Winners were formally announced in the Nov. 10 edition of InfoWorld.
"The InfoWorld 100 recognizes organizations such as Los Alamos that made the best use of technology to enhance their businesses," stated Steve Fox, editor-in-chief of InfoWorld. Los Alamos built an innovative, handheld nuclear detection system to meet critical technical and business objectives."
The CZT Spectrometer also was recognized earlier this fall with an award from IDG's Computerworld magazine, in the "Best Practices in Mobile & Wireless" awards program. This awards program was exclusively sponsored by HP. Ten winners and five honorable mentions were selected for their mobile and/or wireless technology "best practices" based on case studies highlighting successful solution implementation projects and deployments.
"Computerworld's 'Best Practices in Mobile & Wireless' Awards Program recognizes enterprises that have successfully leveraged innovative mobile and wireless technologies to address the most pressing issues in their respective industries and solve business, administrative and customer service challenges," said Leo Leger, vice president, strategic initiatives, Computerworld.
"The diverse group of winners – ranging from medical and technology companies to financial firms and military institutions – is a true testament to the abundance of mobile and wireless technology deployments," said Leger.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and Washington Group International for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.