Application of a Novel Search Method to Handheld Gamma Radiation Detectors

摘要

This work details an innovative method to search a complex enclosed area for a gamma-ray emitting material using a handheld gross-counts gamma detector. It is not a wide area search tool. It relies on triangulating a search area and using the Currie limit of detection to determine the presence of radioactive gamma-ray emitting materials. Results of experimental trials of the model indicate its effectiveness in detecting radiation sources in complex environments. This highlights its potential application in locating radiological material for nuclear security purposes. The method is currently 2-D but is being extended to 3-D.