3D imaging nuclear detector ‘could help prevent acts of terrorism’, developers claim
发布时间：2024年6月4日 05:56
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Researchers, from left, Jana Petrovic, Bo Cederwall and Alf Göök test the new imaging technology on a mock-up of radioactive waste drum scanner (Credit: Biswarup Das)
Scanning technology aimed at detecting small amounts of nuclear materials could help prevent acts of terrorism, its developers have said.
Scanning technology aimed at detecting small amounts of nuclear materials could help prevent acts of terrorism, its developers have said.
The Neutron-Gamma Emission Tomography (NGET) system was developed at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.
The technology uses a form of tomography to enable quick 3D imaging of the source of neutron and gamma ray emissions, said physics professor Bo Cederwall. It could be used to detect weapons-grade plutonium and other nuclear materials.
The NGET system goes beyond existing radiation portal monitors, the developers said, thanks to its ability to measure the time and energy correlations between particles emitted in nuclear fission. It also uses machine learning algorithms to visualise where the emissions come from. The system looks for coincidences of neutron and gamma ray emissions – which, when mapped together in real-time, allow users to pinpoint their origin.
“The technology has a very high sensitivity and can, within a few seconds, detect gram-amounts of plutonium, depending on the application and the plutonium isotope composition,” Cederwall said.
“It takes a little longer to get a really good picture so you can see exactly where the plutonium is. However, this can be done completely automatically.”
The technology could be used in airports and seaports for routine inspection of passengers and goods, he said, but it is not just useful for detecting nuclear weapons and radiation-dispersing ‘dirty bombs’. It could also detect environmental radiation, such as leaks from nuclear facilities or even natural sources. Cederwall said the research group is looking at equipping drones with the NGET system for this purpose.
“In case of a radiological emergency, It is extremely important to be able to quickly map the radioactive contamination in the environment, in order to protect the population in the best possible way,” he said.
The research was published in Science Advances and Science.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The technology uses a form of tomography to enable quick 3D imaging of the source of neutron and gamma ray emissions, said physics professor Bo Cederwall. It could be used to detect weapons-grade plutonium and other nuclear materials.
The NGET system goes beyond existing radiation portal monitors, the developers said, thanks to its ability to measure the time and energy correlations between particles emitted in nuclear fission. It also uses machine learning algorithms to visualise where the emissions come from. The system looks for coincidences of neutron and gamma ray emissions – which, when mapped together in real-time, allow users to pinpoint their origin.
“The technology has a very high sensitivity and can, within a few seconds, detect gram-amounts of plutonium, depending on the application and the plutonium isotope composition,” Cederwall said.
“It takes a little longer to get a really good picture so you can see exactly where the plutonium is. However, this can be done completely automatically.”
The technology could be used in airports and seaports for routine inspection of passengers and goods, he said, but it is not just useful for detecting nuclear weapons and radiation-dispersing ‘dirty bombs’. It could also detect environmental radiation, such as leaks from nuclear facilities or even natural sources. Cederwall said the research group is looking at equipping drones with the NGET system for this purpose.
“In case of a radiological emergency, It is extremely important to be able to quickly map the radioactive contamination in the environment, in order to protect the population in the best possible way,” he said.
The research was published in Science Advances and Science.
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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