Advances in detection algorithms for radiation monitoring

Kumar, K. Ashok; Sundaram, G A Shanmugha; Thiruvengadathan, Rajagopalan

doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106216

Cited by 9 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…Mapping usually determines the distribution of radiation on the ground, thus helping in identifying and securing the area of risk, for example, after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in 2011 [ 17 ]. Typically, radiation intensity measured in-flight is adjusted for attenuation and distance in order to determine the corresponding radiation intensity at ground level [ 11 , 18 ]. Localization, on the other hand, also requires a (statistical) model to estimate source location(s) based on spatially scattered observations.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some researchers incorporate terrain or environment features into their models. In airborne settings, this reduces errors introduced by varying distances between the ground and the aircraft/detector [ 11 ]. Additionally, shadowing of sources by structures or the terrain itself can be integrated into the localization model [ 1 , 25 ].…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The terrain topography is modeled continuously using a LiDAR scanner and attenuation effects are incorporated into the localization algorithm to compensate for terrain unevenness. We consider background radiation [ 11 , 12 ], thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at a given flight altitude and/or flight line spacing [ 11 , 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Real-Time Gamma Radioactive Source Localization by Data Fusion of 3D-LiDAR Terrain Scan and Radiation Data from Semi-Autonomous UAV Flights

Schraml

Hubner

Taupe

et al. 2022

Sensors

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Rapid and accurate reconnaissance in the event of radiological and nuclear (RN) incidents or attacks is vital to launch an appropriate response. This need is made stronger by the increasing threat of RN attacks on soft targets and critical infrastructure in densely populated areas. In such an event, even small radioactive sources can cause major disruption to the general population. In this work, we present a real-time radiological source localization method based on an optimization problem considering a background and radiation model. Supported by extensive real-world experiments, we show that an airborne system using this method is capable for reliably locating category 3–4 radioactive sources according to IAEA safety standards in real time from altitudes up to 150 m. A sensor bundle including a LiDAR sensor, a Gamma probe as well as a communication module was mounted on a UAV that served as a carrier platform. The method was evaluated on a comprehensive set of test flights, including 28 flight scenarios over 316 minutes using three different radiation sources. All additional gamma sources were correctly detected, multiple sources were detected if they were sufficiently separated from each other, with the distance between the true source position and the estimated source averaging 17.1 m. We also discuss the limitations of the system in terms of detection limit and source separation.

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Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Real-Time Gamma Radioactive Source Localization by Data Fusion of 3D-LiDAR Terrain Scan and Radiation Data from Semi-Autonomous UAV Flights

Schraml

Hubner

Taupe

et al. 2022

Sensors

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Some relevant radioisotopes are the gamma-emitters 60 Co, 137 Cs, and 192 Ir. An example of a pure beta emitter is 90 Sr. Either emitters can be used to attack governmental or financial centers, population, or critical infrastructure.…”

Section: Illicit Trafficking Of Snm and Radioactive Materials-scenario Bmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Kumar et al [90] reviewed the detection algorithms for radiation monitoring. According to the methodology, algorithms can be divided into: (i) true counting processing, (ii) spectroscopy processing for ground contamination monitoring, and (iii) plume tracking algorithms.…”

Section: Recent Advancements In Radiation Detection and Source Searchmentioning

confidence: 99%

State-of-the-Art Mobile Radiation Detection Systems for Different Scenarios

Marques

Vale

Vaz

2021

Sensors

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In the last decade, the development of more compact and lightweight radiation detection systems led to their application in handheld and small unmanned systems, particularly air-based platforms. Examples of improvements are: the use of silicon photomultiplier-based scintillators, new scintillating crystals, compact dual-mode detectors (gamma/neutron), data fusion, mobile sensor networks, cooperative detection and search. Gamma cameras and dual-particle cameras are increasingly being used for source location. This study reviews and discusses the research advancements in the field of gamma-ray and neutron measurements using mobile radiation detection systems since the Fukushima nuclear accident. Four scenarios are considered: radiological and nuclear accidents and emergencies; illicit traffic of special nuclear materials and radioactive materials; nuclear, accelerator, targets, and irradiation facilities; and naturally occurring radioactive materials monitoring-related activities. The work presented in this paper aims to: compile and review information on the radiation detection systems, contextual sensors and platforms used for each scenario; assess their advantages and limitations, looking prospectively to new research and challenges in the field; and support the decision making of national radioprotection agencies and response teams in respect to adequate detection system for each scenario. For that, an extensive literature review was conducted.

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