Integrated Multi-mode Handheld RIID

The goal of the project is to develop a handheld instrument that detects, identifies, and categorizes radioactive sources based on gamma, thermal-, and fast-neutron signatures. Existing radioisotope identification devices (RIIDs) are typically biased toward gamma spectroscopy; some instruments may use an additional inefficient neutron counter in form of a He-3 tube. The recent development of materials such as Cs2LiYCl6:Ce (CLYC) and Cs2LiLa(CL,Br)6:Ce (CLLBC) has enabled gamma spectroscopy and neutron detection using a single detector, reducing the cost and footprint of the device. The proposed Trimode (TM) RIID will be based on a large CLYC crystal for gamma and fast-neutron spectroscopy, and thermal-neutron detection. The system will include state-of-the-art electronics for pulse-shape discrimination, sophisticated radionuclide-identification and neutron-spectroscopy analysis, and an intuitive user interface that includes wireless data transfer. The system will meet relevant ANSI standards. A CLLBC version, with small footprint and better energy resolution, will also be constructed utilizing the majority of the base components. During Phase II, an advanced prototype will be demonstrated, which will to lead to a commercial product. This will be the only RIID capable of tri-mode detection, and will improve the state-of-the-art in detection performance, user experience, footprint, and cost.