Standoff Detection of Radiation

The objective of this project was to construct a prototype standoff radiation detector for deployment in the field. Conventional radiation detectors work on the principle of “direct” detection, meaning that the radiation must actually enter the detector to be counted. This has the significant drawback of requiring a radiation surveyor to enter a radiation field in order to detect it. This project involved the development and assembly of a detector based on “indirect” detection, enabling detection of a radiation field from a distance. The detector enables the remote detection of radiation sources, characterization of contaminated areas to identify areas of high and low dose rate, and facilitates mission planning.

The concept, design, development and construction were completed by BTI. DRDC-Ottawa managed the program and conducted testing of the system, and Health Canada and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited provided additional scientific input and testing. The system has been tested at joint US-Canada field trials and demonstrated its capability to detect alpha, beta, and gamma radiation from distances over many hundreds of meters.