Nanoparticle Enhanced Resonator Sensor for Trace Radionuclide Detection

The ability to detect trace radionuclide material in subsurface soil and water is critical to monitoring leaks from harmful radiological stores. The sub-surface transport of radionuclides can lead to unwanted contamination of groundwater and food supplies, thus posing a threat the nation¿s population. In order to contain the spread of radioactive contamination in the subsurface, an autonomous sensor network will be required. This project will develop an innovative fluorescence-based system that employs thin film nano-layer enhancements and a novel light collection geometry to detect and discriminate target analytes in real time. This compact sensor platform will be capable of being deployed in distributed networks to provide a real-time map of subsurface radionuclide concentration. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The proposed sensor technology would make it safer for the public to interact with the environment. In addition, a sensor network capable of detecting trace quantities of harmful radioactive material could have application to homeland security, providing a means to detect the presence of dirty bombs and radioactive contamination associated with terrorist activities