This Phase I SBIR Research Proposal addresses development of a handheld alpha detector. A broad range of nuclear threats and technologies are needed to prevent or mitigate nuclear incidents. Further, nuclear industries and research facilities benefit from improved detector capabilities. This project proposes research on a near 100 volume percent efficient, realtime, microelectronic self calibrating and directional alpha particle detector. The technical impact of the detector concept reaches into many application areas and will stimulate many additional technical innovations. Further, improved accuracy in measurements will improve system(s) performance and theoretical models. Potential commercial applications exist in research and standards programs, defense threat reduction services, the nuclear industry, the food industry, personal dosimetry, and the medical industry, among others
