By combining radiation detection technologies with robotics sensing, the ability to continuously conduct gamma-ray imaging using freely-moving systems was demonstrated in 2015.1 This new method, which was named free-moving 3D Scene Data Fusion (SDF), was then applied to mapping radioactive contamination and to contextualizing the extent of contamination and the efficacy of radiological clean-up efforts.2, 3 Since then, further studies into the types of radiation detection systems to which SDF could be applied resulted in the discovery and demonstration that neutron activity could be mapped using neutron-sensitive CLLBC scintillators, arrays of pixelated CZT detectors could be used to create multi-modal imagers, and more rudimentary detector systems such as arrays of four CsI modules could still achieve good-quality mapping by inferring source positioning through the encoded modulation of source-to-detector distance. This paper provides an overview of the SDF technology, highlights recent measurements leveraging SDF-equipped systems, discusses the continued development of quantitative algorithms4, 5 and their ramifications for developing autonomous SDF-capabilities, and summarizes future directions of research and application development for free moving radiation detection systems.
Recent developments in radiation detection and imaging in combination with the enormous advances in sensing technologies and associated data processing capabilities enable unprecedented ways to detect, map, and visualize radiation relevant for radiation safety and nuclear security and safeguards, surveillance, emergency response, consequence management, decommissioning, and remediation. We have developed a new concept called 3-D Scene Data Fusion that enables to map scenes in three dimensions and fuse this scene data with nuclear radiation data in near real time while the instrument is freely moving through the scene, independently of the deployment platform and independently of the radiation detection or imaging concept. We have demonstrated this concept in a range of configurations on unmanned and manned aerial and ground-based platforms. It not only provides new means in the detection, mapping, and visualization of radiological and nuclear materials relevant for operators and experts but also in the communication with the public.
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