Staggered Detector Array for Locating Radioactive Sources

摘要

A large-area directional radiation detection system may include a large number of slab-shaped detectors stacked side-by-side and alternately displaced frontward and rearward, thereby providing a longitudinally-staggered array of protruding and recessed detectors. The protruding detectors collimate or restrict the lateral field of view of the recessed detectors, thereby enabling the angular position and distance of a source to be determined. The high detection efficiency and large solid angle of the staggered detector array enable rapid detection of even well-shielded threat sources at substantial distances, while simultaneously determining the positions of any sources detected. This detector array will be essential for guarding against clandestine delivery of nuclear materials in the coming century.