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Advanced Sensors & Detectors
Cadmium-zinc-telluride sensors: These tiny sensors can detect gamma rays emitted by radionuclides of interest to terrorists, including cesium and cobalt. Unlike most gamma detectors, which must be kept chilled with liquid nitrogen to function effectively, these work at room temperature and are inexpensive. (contact: Joseph Indusi, indusi@bnl.gov). Large-volume xenon-based detectors: These xenon-gas-filled gamma/neutron detectors can be used to locate and identify radioactive materials at transportation choke points. (contact: Aleksey Bolotnikov, bolotnik@bnl.gov) Remote GIS-enabled neutron detectors. Researchers have developed an integrated readout capability for miniaturized passive neutron bubble detectors. The integrated system is now capable of remote GIS-enabled notification in a standard IEEE format. (contact Edward Kaplan, kaplan@bnl.gov) Thermal neutron camera: This highly sensitive helium-3 based imaging system is based on a wire chamber and coded aperture, and can “see” fissionable radioactive materials like plutonium from a distance. (contact: Peter Vanier, vanier@bnl.gov) Mini-Raman LIDAR chemical sensor: This one-of-a-kind portable chemical sensor can locate and identify chemicals (like those used in nerve gas) in the air or deposited on surfaces from a safe distance, using laser scattering patterns to identify a substance’s distinct chemical signature. In March 2003 the technology was licensed to the UTEK Corporation for further development. (contact: Arthur Sedlacek, sedlacek@bnl.gov) Multiple Applications of a Tandem Accelerator (MATAC): This accelerator-based cargo-scanning technology can detect the nitrogen and sodium found in many explosive materials. (contact: Lucian Wielopolski, lwielo@bnl.gov) Radiation Detector Testing and Evaluation Facility (RADTEC): At Brookhaven’s new test-bed facility, scientists assemble, operate, and test commercial and government “off-the-shelf” technologies, allowing researchers to define the strengths and limitations of various detectors, providing a quantitative (detector performance) and qualitative (ease of use) method for comparison. (contact: Carl Czajkowski, cjc@bnl.gov) See also: RADTEC Fact Sheet (PDF). Radiation Detectors with Improved Sensitivity: Brookhaven researchers are currently developing a new generation of advanced truck-transportable and hand-held high-purity germanium radiation detectors. Background is reduced by Compton-suppression circuitry, allowing detection of weak gamma ray signals. (contact Garman Harbottle, garman@bnl.gov). Urban Atmospheric Observatory (http://www.uao.bnl.gov/) Now under development by Brookhaven, the Department of Homeland Security's Environmental Measurements Laboratory, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Urban Atmospheric Observatory employs a dense array of meteorological instrumentation, remote sensing, and satellite products and model output, as well as radiation detection, gamma spectrometer, and aerosol measurements, to provide real-time information in support of emergency response activities. (contact: Paul Kalb, kalb@bnl.gov) Urban Shield: This ambitious Brookhaven program would integrate data from efficient, hardened, continuously online, real-time sensor networks deployed throughout a municipal area like New York City. These sensor networks could identify and track the release and movement of chemicals or radionuclides during an accidental or intentional release, in real time, and provide crucial information to emergency responders and command posts. (contact: Paul Kalb, kalb@bnl.gov)
Last Modified: May 30, 2008 |
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Brookhaven
is developing sensors that can detect trace quantities of nuclear,
chemical, and biological agents and explosives. When deployed at the
nations ports, bridges, tunnels, and transportation hubs, these
sensors can help law enforcement agencies intercept these dangerous
materials before they are used in a terrorist attack. Current
technologies under development include:
