A New Generation of fixed and mobile radiation detectors to counter nuclear smuggling

The The U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA)’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) has decades of experience supporting the global mission to counter nuclear smuggling (CNS) by working with governments to deploy and maintain radiation detection systems, provide training, and bolster the existing capabilities of more than 100 border control and interior law enforcement agencies. Over recent years NSDD and partners have embraced fixed and modular mobile detection systems (MDS) that have isotope identification abilities, enhanced algorithms for naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM)) rejection, and increased sensitivity. These new features extend the CNS capabilities of the global community by offering more flexible deployable form factors and commodity targeting, which ultimately reduces operator burden. Over the last year the NSDD Science and Engineering Team characterized the capabilities of numerous commercially available next generation radiation portal monitors and MDSs of interest. A summary of these systems will be given in relation to positive and false isotope identification and alarming capability for different vehicle and source configurations, nuisance and false alarm rate, NORM rejection, identification performance in the presence of high and low medical source fields, useability and mission applicability, as well as highlighting collaboration points with programs who also specialize and support the mission for interdiction.