Stand Alone Gamma Protective Clothing

To address the U.S. Army need for low-level ionizing radiation protective clothing that is lightweight and flexible for incorporation into military protective clothing, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop the new Stand-Alone Gamma Protective Clothing (SAGPROC) system. The SAGPROC uses its unique fabric geometry to maximize the absorption of radiation flux from an energetic gamma source. This unique fabric geometry brings together high- and low-atomic-number materials for effective reduction and protection from incident high energy radiation flux. Its significant attenuation at high energy (such as 1.332 MeV) assures even better performance with lower-energy gamma rays. The SAGPROC will also be >90% effective in attenuating particulate radiation. The high malleability and ductility of the materials and the low weight with radiation-leakproof perforation will make it flexible without causing physical or heat stress. In Phase I POC will develop SAGPROC and demonstrate its feasibility. In Phase II we plan to develop a prototype that meets all requirements.