Develop alternative means for stand-off detection of radiological, and specifically fissile materials through their effects on, or interactions with, the environment. Potential approaches include, but are not limited to DESCRIPTION: In DTRAs efforts to counter nuclear and radiological threats, sources must be located, classified and identified. Traditional approaches based on the detection of primary radiation from fissile or radiological material are approaching full exploitation and theoretical gains in standoff range and sensitivity are inherently limited. Alternative technologies are sought which will have significant advantage in standoff range and sensitivity or provide significant advantages in available deployment environments or time frames. Proposals are sought to provide a capability rather than any specific technique. Some technological approaches which are potentially attractive include, but are not limited to, scintillation or fluorescence in surrounding materials, chemical analysis of surrounding materials or products of radioactivity, passive microwave, infrared or radar detection of SNM or the products of radioactivity through absorption or reflectance, laser induced fluorescence of products of radioactivity, thermal radiation signatures, or optically stimulated luminescence or thermoluminescence. Advantages of proposed work over current technologies, which can include increase in range, sensitivity, imaging, environment of use, or other clear advantage, should be outlined in proposal. PHASE I: Determination of feasibility to perform as a stand-off sensor for nuclear materials. PHASE II: Construction of a demonstration prototype. PHASE III: Dual use applications. Potential application of this technology include their use in the well-logging industry, medical imaging, and environmental monitoring. REFERENCES: 1. Knoll, G.F. Radiation Detection and Measurement 2nd edition (1988). 2. Tsoulfanidis, N. Measurement and Detection of Radiation 2nd edition (1995).
Keywords: Alternative Nuclear Detection Special Nuclear Fissile Material.
