Radiation detection with distributed sensor networks

摘要: In any assessment of potential terrorist attacks, the nuclear threat takes center stage. Although weapons-grade materials arc heavily guarded, a plausible scenario involves terrorists detonating simple radiological dispersion device (ROD) capable broadcasting nonfissile but highly radioactive particles over densely populated area. most cases, motor vehicle has to transport and its payload commonly known as "dirty bomb" - target destination. As final defense against such weapon, select traffic choke points in US have large portal monitoring systems help detect illicit isotopes. The distributed sensor network project at Los Alamos National Laboratory, cooperation with University New Mexico, is developing radiation detectors that, coupled other sensors that collect supportive data, suitable for ROD interdiction either urban or rural environments. Compared monitor, DSN much less visible, uses power per detector, hand carried thus more rapidly deployable, simplifies coverage multiple avenues. Also, function effectively, typically require slow halted traffic, whereas our can be tailored moderate speed.