HPEM vulnerability of radiation meters used in security relevant scenarios

Abstract

The correct functioning of detectors for ionizing radiation can be crucial for protecting their respective operators, e.g. first responders tasked with relief efforts in a disaster scenario. Device reliability is essential as well when striving to prevent illicit radionuclide trafficking. In order to assess the vulnerability of radiation detectors against Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI) by means of High Power Microwaves (HPM), we submitted a selection of portable devices to pulsed rf waves in an open TEM waveguide. Test frequencies ranged from 260 MHz to 3.4 GHz. On all detectors, artificial radiation readings could be induced, sometimes exceeding background values by almost three orders of magnitude