Symetrica has introduced a prototype wearable detector product, Neutron Vest. It has been officially presented at the 2016 IEEE Symposium on Radiation Measurements and Applications (SORMA), as an alternative to backpack and handheld systems, with reduced weight and bulk, the makers say.
Neutron Vest is a radiation detector system comprised of up to four wearable neutron detector modules. When worn on the torso, the system provides comparable sensitivity to a backpack it is claimed with the advantages of being light – each module weighs 1lb – and supporting an intuitive smartphone interface.
Based upon Southampton-based Symetrica’s Discovery Technology, each neutron detector module comprises a thin LiF/ZnS thermal neutron detector, a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array as well as pulse-shape discrimination logic and internal health monitoring. The internal battery allows over 20 hours of operation from a four-hour charge the firm says.
The use of multiple detectors allows the system to provide directional information in the horizontal plane to support the search for threats. By analysing the relative counts from each module, direction can be determined with a resolution of 45 degrees. Data from the vest is combined with timestamps and GPS data to create a radiation map that can be further processed to estimate the threat location. A Bluetooth connection allows the data to be transmitted to Symetrica’s hand-held radio-isotope identification device (RIID) VeriFinder or a smartphone, where anomaly detection and background monitoring algorithms are run and presented to the operator via an intuitive GUI.
Jeff McCray, Symetrica’s VP of Business Development, said: “Throughout this development program, the Neutron Vest is achieving impressive results. The source detection performance meets ANSI N42.53-2013 and IAEA NSU-NSD (v3). Gamma-ray rejection (measured at 1:108) also meets the ANSI and IAEA standards. Neutron Vest is a further example of how Symetrica’s advanced Discovery Technology can be honed for real-world applications, bringing simplicity, accuracy, reliability and convenience to the operator.” Visit www.symetrica.com.
SORMA West 2016 focuses on radiation detection for homeland and national security applications. The conference showcases technology with presentations and plenary talks, including Dr Mark Foster, Symetrica’s Neutron Vest program leader, presenting a paper on the Neutron Vest.
