Microscale Detector Materials for Covert, Ubiquitous Radiation Detector

The proliferation of nuclear and radiological weapons of mass destruction is a serious threat in the world today. The goal of this proposal is to develop a new, very low cost radiation detection technology that will be useful for detection and for surveillance of individuals who have been near radioactive materials. The technology can also be used for dosimetry, and will provide the technology for manufacturing a ubiquitous detectors for very fast and simple post-event biodosimetry triage of warfighters and civilian victims. The research will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Yiquan Wu at Alfred University. We will investigate using microparticle radiation sensitive phosphors incorporated in cards and everyday objects, such as signs and license plates. The materials will be invisible, and will detect radiation and store the signal until read at a later time. Since no power source is needed, they are always on and can be operated for years, or possibly decades. Reading is done by scanning the cards using a handheld or desktop laser system. In Phase I, we will model the performance, fabricate and characterize storage phosphors, examine the optical properties and develop readout technology, and design a fieldable prototype system for Phase II.