LONG RANGE DETECTION OF RADIATION-INDUCED AIR FLUORESCENCE.

Autor: Leybourne, A. E., Creasey, S., Dixon, J., Lee, J., Messer, G., Neal, S., Rayborn, G. H., Speaks, D., Stephens, J., Strange, T., Walker, C. D., West, W. C., Woodruff, H. F., Winstead, C. B.
Předmět:
Zdroj: Proceedings of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Annual Meeting; 2010, p1-9, 9p, 1 Color Photograph, 1 Diagram, 2 Charts, 5 Graphs
Abstrakt: Conventional radiation detection systems are very effective at relatively short-range detection of radiation from radioactive materials. However, a limitation of conventional approaches is that they require direct interaction of the radiation with the sensor. Rather than directly detecting radiation, the approach outlined in this presentation is focused on detecting the effects of the radiation on the atmosphere surrounding a radioactive source. The research team has recently demonstrated results in optical detection of radiation-induced atmospheric fluorescence that greatly extend the range of detection for many radioactive materials. In fact, in many cases the signatures of the radiation/air interaction are detectable far beyond the range of travel of the original radiation. However, successfully detecting these weak signatures requires extensive knowledge of the optical characteristics of the signal and background irradiance levels. Detection systems utilizing radiationinduced air fluorescence require extremely careful optimization of optical components to detect the signal while rejecting background light. In this presentation, the fundamental physics underlying the generation of air fluorescence will be briefly reviewed and an overview of detection system designs will be presented. The principal elements of the presentation will include discussion of results from outdoor experiments aimed at verifying experimental prototype capabilities. Results from outdoor experiments in south Mississippi and also at the Y-12 National Security Complex will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Supplemental Index