In a time when geopolitical tensions are high and radiological and nuclear (R&N) weapons technology is progressing, we need to keep up. Speed and accuracy are non-negotiable, but so is high-quality data. Radiological and nuclear incidents are often far from straightforward and therefore require reliable, high-quality spectral data to underpin accurate risk assessments and effective strategic decisions.
Why resolution matters
Resolution is a key factor that influences data quality, impacting the ability of those on the ground and further afield to accurately identify and differentiate between various radioisotopes.
Resolution refers to the width of a single energy peak at a specific energy on a spectral data plot. A higher resolution detector produces energy peaks that are sharper, more distinct and clearly separated, meaning different radioisotopes can be identified with precision. This is particularly important when faced with complex mixtures: radioisotopes with overlapping signature peaks can be distinguished with increased accuracy and confidence.
Medium resolution – a balance between performance and portability
Medium resolution detectors provide advanced isotope identification capability. For instance, the <4% resolution of the D5 RIID allows for a more definitive confirmation of the radioisotopes present. Highly defined spectral peaks give way to increased confidence in remote, secondary adjudications, enabling more informed and timely decisions. The medium resolution of the D5 RIID also enables an accurate adjudication of the origin of the radioisotope(s) detected, further informing courses of action with high quality adjudication spectra. For instance, based on enrichment levels, it can be deciphered whether Uranium or Plutonium contaminants are from naturally occurring sources, or otherwise.
In the cases where multiple isotopes are involved, having a medium resolution detector ensures even the most similar radioisotopes are accurately differentiated during spectral analysis. For instance, Plutonium can be easily masked by medical isotopes of Iodine due to their main energy peaks being very close together. Therefore, to a low-resolution device, this would appear as a truly legal shipment of Iodine, with significant consequences.
The medium resolution and high sensitivity of the D5 RIID allows a definitive confirmation of radioisotopes present in weak, mixed shielded and heavily masked sources. As a result, illicit radioactive sources at a border can be stopped effectively and next steps accurately informed in remediation procedures.
High resolution detectors, although producing extremely precise spectral peaks, are typically less practical for use in Defence applications on the front line or at the site of an incident compared to medium resolution detectors. Whilst supplying users with a sufficient resolution for complex identification, the D5 RIID is optimal for use in the field with its ruggedised build, ease of use and rapid loading speed. Individuals can pick up a D5 RIID and head straight to the site of an incident for precise, real-time in-field spectral analysis.
Accurate identification with safety and without delay
Alongside the high-quality data it supplies, the D5 RIID also ensures those on the ground are primed to take immediate action when necessary with instant alarms and a low false alarm rate.
Remote Mode adds an extra layer of user safety through creating sufficient distance between the user and high-risk environments. The D5 RIID can be mounted onto vehicular platforms and any UGV meaning large areas can be checked for R&N threats and rapid emergency responses initiated. Agnostic data is delivered in real-time to the remote operator via a wired or wirelessly connected device, whilst ANSI N42.42 data files can be sent to remote technical authorities for secondary adjudications.
The rapid reach back capabilities of the D5 RIID along with the ability to integrate it into any existing alarm or communications network ensure remote decision-makers are consistently supplied with actionable intelligence to ensure the appropriate next steps are taken, even in the most complex and demanding situations.
When low resolution takes the stage
Not every mission demands a granular isotope breakdown. More cost-effective, low-resolution detectors, such as Kromek’s D3S ID and D3M provide the constant monitoring, reliable detection and immediate alerts needed by those completing routine surveillance to act quickly to protect themselves and critical infrastructure. CBRN specialists can then later perform a secondary adjudication with a higher resolution device to attain more detailed spectral data on an R&N incident, further informing next steps.
The D3M has the unique capability of supplying users with RIID quality spectral data alongside high-performance detection. Over 100,000 spectral files can be extracted by CBRN specialists for secondary adjudication. Discreet, wearable and lightweight, the D3S ID constantly scans for radioactive threats. Receiving alerts through Bluetooth via a paired phone or earpiece, the detector is imperceptible to the public or any suspect.
Meanwhile, the D3S ID supplies users with the extra capability of real-time isotope ID, informing context-specific action on the ground discreetly from a paired phone or earpiece. The D3M can be paired with a phone to enable this extra capability of real-time isotope ID as well.
Countering rising risks
As the risk and complexity of R&N threats increases, so must threat detection and identification capabilities. Rapid, accurate, and informed responses are vital and made possible by medium-resolution detectors like the D5 RIID. Striking an optimal balance between field-ready practicality and analytical precision enables confident secondary adjudications and swift, timely decision-making.
At the same time, lower resolution devices such as the D3S ID and D3M can provide crucial frontline surveillance and immediate alerts, facilitating constant situational awareness.
Together, these tools form a layered defence strategy, supplying those on the ground as well as remote decision-makers with the right level of insight at the right time, helping to continue to effectively protect the public, those on the front line and critical infrastructure.
You can find the original article on pages 102-103, Edition 2, 2025 of the Military Systems and Technology magazine
