A radiation detector is like putting on a pair of glasses. The invisible threat of radiation becomes visible, but, which prescription do you need?
Everyone knows the ‘click click’ of a Geiger Muller Counter
Geiger Muller Counters frequently pop up in media, and are still used in real-life applications. They detect x-rays and gamma radiation, and function as simple counting devices, measuring count rates.
Applications:
• Contamination monitoring at Nuclear Power Plants
• Environmental surveys
But how about something smaller?
More contemporary radiation detectors for self-protection, monitoring and security are a lot lighter and smaller than Geiger Muller Counters, and measure dose as well as counts.
Dosimeter
Used when exposure to radiation is expected, regular and prolonged
These passive radiation monitors record the user’s radiation exposure over a set period of time and ensure they remain within the limit of healthy exposure.
Applications:
• Labs and research facilities
EPDs
Used in more high risk environments where radiation exposure is likely to be higher
Electronic Personal Dosimeters (EPDs) have more real-time functionality, supplying live dose rate and accumulated dose measurements to a user.
Applications:
• Nuclear power plants
• Hospitals
• Oil and Gas
PRDs
Used when a rapid change in levels of radiation exposure in an environment is likely
Personal radiation detectors (PRDs) are also active in radiation monitoring, and producing real-time data along with rapid alarms when a source is detected
Applications:
• Event monitoring
• Emergency response
• Waste Management
For when you need to see in more detail
Radioisotope Identification Devices (RIIDs) both detect radioactive sources and identify the radioisotopes present in the source. Typically used by CBRN specialists, RIIDs perform spectroscopic analysis on site, and can distinguish between harmful and non-harmful radioisotopes e.g. identifying Plutonium that has been masked by medical isotopes of Iodine at a border crossing.
Applications:
• Secondary adjudications in homeland security and military operations
• Emergency response for situational assessment
• Border control
Looking at the big picture
Detectors mounted on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as rovers and drones, can map the radiation and identify hotspots in areas inaccessible on foot or unsafe for people.
Applications:
• Emergency response
• Environmental monitoring
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