Phase II Amount
$1,082,751
Field-portable radiation detectors are a widely used technology for defense, environmental monitoring, and industry applications dealing with radioactive sources. From nuclear weapon accident emergencies to routine monitoring for health and safety, having reliable, field ready equipment is essential for mission success. However, the alpha and beta radiation detectors currently available in the market are based on nearly century-old technology and have serious fragilities. Namely, thin mylar windows are used with both scintillator based, and gas chamber based detectors. In uncontrolled environments, mylar can easily tear, rendering the instruments unusable. Therefore, there is a significant need for a more rugged radiation detector design. In Phase I feasibility study, we designed, built, and tested a breadboard version of a new generation of windowless radiation detectors, proving their viability. In addition to a windowless design, this new class of portable radiation detectors are compact, extremely rugged, low power (for long field use), cost effective, easy to use, and reliable. These radiation detectors are based upon one of the most rugged electronics materials available: diamond. In Phase II and beyond, Advent Diamond aims to make a fully operational prototype of the Generation I Worlds most rugged portable radiation detector, which will incorporate a water-resistant, shock-resistant design. Simultaneously, we will be developing intellectual property and designs for the Generation II Lab in the Field detector, which shrinks many of the capabilities of a small radionuclide research lab into a lightweight, field-ready design. Advent Diamond is focused on evolving proposed business model, determining the market size, developing key partnerships. Thus, team will participate in customer discovery in collaboration technical and business assistance (TABA) consultant to foster relationships with established industrial partners to more rapidly bring products to market.
