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Standoff Radiation Detection

Defence R&D Canada – Ottawa (DRDC Ottawa), as part of a CRTI project, has developed a standoff radiation detector. Using the spectral signature of radiation-induced photoluminescence, the standoff radiation detector has proved capable of detecting unshielded alpha and beta radiation sources at unprecedented distances of over a kilometre and several hundred metres, respectively.

Traditional methods rely on direct detection of the radioactive particle to be measured; in other words, the radiation must actually enter the detector to be counted. This leads to increased health and safety risks for first responders who need to detect radiation hazards from safe distances.

DRDC Ottawa, along with Health Canada, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Bubble Technology Industries, has developed a patented, prototype system that employs custom-fabricated mirrors and optical filters to simultaneously image a scene of interest in several wavelength bands. These images are then processed to look for the signature of radiation-induced photoluminescence enabling the detection and characterization of contaminated areas and the identification of areas of high and low dose rate. The emission spectrum is unique, so that in low-light conditions, emissions from other sources can be readily distinguished from the radiation-induced signal.

The prototype was completed on March 31, 2005, and was successfully trialed at joint US–Canada field trials at Pacific Northwest National Laboratories in May 2005.

Business Opportunities

Access to this technology is available to the Department of National Defence and other Canadian government departments, as well as allied nations, industry and academia through a variety of business models. For information, please contact the Technology Exploitation Office.

Business Inquiries
613-998-2137
Technology Exploitation Office
Email: collabo-ottawa@drdc-rddc.gc.ca

Defence R&D Canada – Ottawa
3701 Carling Ave., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0Z4
Phone: 613-991-4153 Fax: 613-998-2675
Email: info-ottawa@drdc-rddc.gc.ca
Web site: www.ottawa.drdc-rddc.gc.ca
Fact Sheet CARDS 288
© DRDC Ottawa March 2010

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