Georgia Tech researchers develop enhanced radiation detection devices

Technology that can effectively detect smuggled radioactive materials is considered vital to U.S. security, as attacks involving nuclear devices are therefore possible. To support the nation’s nuclear-surveillance capabilities, researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute are developing ways to enhance the radiation-detection devices used at ports, border crossings, airports, etc. Co-sponsored by the Domestic Nuclear Defense Office of the Department of Homeland Security and by the National Science Foundation, the team’s goal is to create effective and reliable, yet affordable, detectors. Nanotechnology techniques, such as that in their newly created Nano-photonic Composite Scintillation Detector, help improve radiation detection. This prototype combines rare-earth elements and other materials at the nanoscale for improved sensitivity, accuracy and robustness; however, it remains flawed in other areas that the team is persistently working on with a productive methodology.