2010 R&D 100 Winner
To meet the requirements for fast, accurate detection and identification of radioactive materials, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, Calif., and ICx Technologies Inc., Arlington, Va., have developed Statistical Radiation Detection System (SRaDS), a software solution that can identify any set of pre-selected radionuclides in low-count situations. While previous approaches required storage and processing of pulse-height spectrum data, SRaDS relies on Bayesian model-based statistical algorithms that automatically reject extraneous and non-targeted photons during the identification process.
The developers looked to overcome low observable count rates, short detection intervals, background noise, measurement system inadequacies, and heterogeneous transport paths between the source and detector. The solution: SRaDS uses all information available in every photon upon arrival, something ignored by traditional spectroscopy. A smart processor examines each photon as it arrives and decides whether a detected radionuclide is accepted or not based on selected parameters. The software automatically rejects extraneous and non-targeted photons during the identification process.
SRaDS can be used in any gamma-detector system from large stationary portal monitors to pedestrian monitors, portable gamma detectors, and field-programmable gate array integrated circuits.
Technology
Radiation calculation software
Developers
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
ICx Technologies, Inc.
Development Team
The Statistical Radiation Detection System (SRaDS) Development Team:
Michael A. Axelrod, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (former)
Eric F. Brietfeller, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
James V. Candy, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
David H. Chambers, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Thomas Gosnell, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Brian L. Guidry, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Douglas R. Manatt, SAIC
Alan M. Meyer, Self-employed
Stanley Prussin, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Kenneth E. Sale, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (former)
Dennis Slaughter, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Jerome M. Verbeke, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Sean E. Walston, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
