Date: Aug 06, 2012 Source: R&D Magazine (
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Technology
Gamma-ray detection technology
Developers
Image Insight Inc.
Advanced Fuel Research Inc.
The nuclear crisis at Fukushima, Japan, and the potential for terrorists to acquire radioactive materials has heightened the need for detection methods. One method is to monitor gamma-ray radiation.
GammaPix Libraries, advanced algorithms for low-cost gamma radiation detection using unmodified cameras developed by Image Insight Inc. and Advanced Fuel Research Inc., both of East Hartford, Conn., offer a cost-effective means to measure gamma radiation at the source. The software-based technology conducts analysis on digital images produced by surveillance or smartphone cameras to measure gamma-ray radiation. Using the inherent gamma-ray sensitivity of CCD and CMOS chips in the cameras' digital image sensors, the software counts the number of gamma rays whose impact on the image sensor produces bright pixels.
The technology can detect within seconds highly dangerous levels of radiation that could cause serious radiation poisoning within an hour or less of exposure at close range. The radiation source can safely be detected up to 100 m awry on certain GammaPix-equipped smartphones. Collecting data over minutes can detect radiation exposure levels that pose health hazards for exposures of days, weeks, or years. Using even longer times, low natural levels of radiation from cosmic rays and terrestrial gamma rays can be detected on such platforms.
