Comparison of PVT And NaI(Tl) Scintillators for Vehicle Portal Monitor Applications

Journal Article · Wed Sep 21 00:00:00 EDT 2005 · Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 550(3):647-674

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2005.05.056· OSTI ID:876877

Siciliano, Edward R; Ely, James H; Kouzes, Richard T; Milbrath, Brian D; Schweppe, John E; Stromswold, David C

The demand for radiation portal monitor (RPM) systems has increased, and their capabilities are being further scrutinized as they are being applied to the task of detecting nuclear weapons, special nuclear material, and radiation dispersal device materials that could appear at borders. The requirements and constraints on RPM systems deployed at high-volume land border crossings are significantly different from those at weapons facilities and steel recycling plants, where RPMs have been historically employed. In this new homeland security application, RPM systems must rapidly detect localized sources of radiation with a very high detection probability and low false-alarm rate, while screening “100%” of the traffic without impeding the flow of commerce. In light of this new DHS application, this report re-examines the capabilities of two popular gamma-ray-detector materials to meet the needs of RPM systems. This is accomplished by using experimental data and computer simulations together with practical deployment experience to assess the capabilities of currently available polyvinyl-toluene and NaI(Tl) gamma detectors. (PIET-43741-TM-057)

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 876877
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-42838; 400904120
• Journal Information: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 550(3):647-674, Journal Name: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 550(3):647-674 Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 550
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DETECTION
MONITORS
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PHOSPHORS
PROBABILITY
RADIATIONS
RECYCLING
SECURITY
STEELS
TRADE
WEAPONS