The DOE requires effective, highly sensitive devices for real-time monitoring of the contamination of soils, subsurface sediments, biofilms, and ground waters. The devices must be field deployable at low-cost with enhanced ability to monitor processes at finer levels of resolution. This project will develop a unique, battery operated, portable Dual Probe X/Gamma-Ray Spectrometer. The dual probe will consist of a Thick Silicon Multi-Cathode Detector (TSMCD) and a p-i-n cadmium telluride detector to provide highly efficient, highly selective, and highly sensitive detection of all metal and radionuclide comtaminants of concern. Phase I will fabricate the two detectors and construct relevant spectrometer packages. Existing laboratory equipment will be used to test and evaluate the detectors against current prevailing technologies. The practical detection limits for all the contaminants will be determined by using standard reference materials.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The detection system should open up markets and opportunities in the following areas: environmental monitoring, process control, mining, geochemical mapping, geological exploration, alloy sorting and other areas where similar real-time, in situ analyses are required
