Handheld multipurpose radionuclide identification device employing multilayered phoswich technology

Handheld radionuclide identification devices (RIDs) are widely used by personnel in homeland security organizations, regulatory authorities, the nuclear energy industry, environmental monitoring, etc., to detect and identify gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides. Many RIDs also include a neutron detector. However, most operationally used RIDs do not provide directional information on gamma-rays and lack the capability of detecting alpha and beta radiation thereby requiring the user to carry multiple devices. Here, we introduce and demonstrate a multipurpose RID that enables rapid interactive directional sensing of a gamma-ray source, can directly and indirectly detect neutrons, and measure alpha and beta radiation from contaminated surfaces. The developed multipurpose detector enables establishing initial situational awareness with a single instrument. This facilitates the work of frontline officers significantly. The sensor fusion required for instrument compactness and multipurposity was achieved by employing phoswich technology and integrated digital electronics. The performance of the prototype device developed is demonstrated in practice using well-known radioactive reference sources. The device has a higher energy range for gamma-rays (from ∼50 keV to above 4.4 MeV) than typical RIDs, enabling indirect detection and characterization of neutron sources. Despite the high level of integration, determined gamma-ray energy resolution and detection sensitivity for gamma-rays, alpha and beta radiation, are comparable to commercially available RIDs and surface contamination monitors. The developed technology can also be applied to other categories of radiation detection instruments. • A multipurpose radiation detector module was developed and tested. • The detector module is directionally sensitive to gamma-rays. • The module can also detect alpha, beta and neutron radiation. • The module employs multilayered phoswich technology and digital nuclear electronics. • Prototype radionuclide identification device (RID) was built using the developed module.