Radiation detection evaluation: RadAssessor characterizes integrated findings

Sharon L. Seitz, John M. Blackadar, Sarmadi K. Almecci, Mark A. Nelson, Gary H. Gardner, Mohini Rawool-Sullivan, Brian G. Rees, John A. Bounds, William H. Casson, Scott E. Garner, Clair J. Sullivan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Radiation handheld instruments perform an integral role in first responder programs to detect illicit radioactive materials and reduce terrorist attacks. A comprehensive understanding of each commercial instrument's performance facilitates rapid and accurate data interpretation and threat assessment. RadAssessor was developed as a radiation detector database to characterize and evaluate commercial handheld instrument findings. Under laboratory conditions, previously reported instrument performance data have been expanded both in terms of the number of instruments tested and sources measured as well as including gamma isotope identification and neutron response findings. Instrument performance data and findings captured within RadAssessor include: radiation detectors, radioactive sources, shielding, experiments, detailed measurements, spectra, and measurement performance categorizations. Measurement performance categorizations are an approach to categorizing gamma identification results based on defining the most abundant isotopes (MAIs) identified during a measurement. There are two category systems that provide both a high-level understanding of instrument performance and a more detailed understanding with additional granularity. RadAssessor features a web-based interface for selecting instruments, isotopes, and shielding combinations. Users are provided with dynamically generated screens based on the most recent data loaded in the RadAssessor database. Graphical and textual results are generated and presented instantaneously for enhanced decision aides.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2005 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record -Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference
Pages288-291
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes
EventNuclear Science Symposium Conference Record, 2005 IEEE - , Puerto Rico
Duration: Oct 23 2005Oct 29 2005

Publication series

NameIEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record
Volume1
ISSN (Print)1095-7863

Other

OtherNuclear Science Symposium Conference Record, 2005 IEEE
Country/TerritoryPuerto Rico
Period10/23/0510/29/05

Keywords

  • Detectors
  • Gamma-ray detectors
  • Gamma-ray spectroscopy
  • Isotope
  • Isotope identification
  • Neutron detectors
  • Radiation detectors
  • Radiation monitoring
  • Radioactive material
  • Shielding
  • Spectral analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiation
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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