SBIR/STTR Research Award

Windowless radiation hard alpha and beta detector

Award identifier fefa2e6035d98327b77361a0c6e2b2f59f804119d1635b8c512ffee8b1367bc7Awarding agency Department of Defense · Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Award amount

$1,082,751

Program and phase

SBIR · Phase II

Award year

2022

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Award details

Awarding agency
Department of Defense
Branch
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Recipient company
ADVENT DIAMOND, INC.
Proposal award date
2022-01-28
Contract end date
2024-01-27
UEI
YSZAQCKK7DN4
Solicitation number
19.2
Topic code
DTRA192-006

Research abstract

Field-portable radiation detectors are a widely used technology for defense, environmental monitoring, and industry applications dealing with radioactive sources. From nuclear weapon accident emergencies to routine monitoring for health and safety, having reliable, field ready equipment is essential for mission success. However, the alpha and beta radiation detectors currently available in the market are based on nearly century-old technology and have serious fragilities.  Namely, thin mylar windows are used with both scintillator based, and gas chamber based detectors. In uncontrolled environments, mylar can easily tear, rendering the instruments unusable.  Therefore, there is a significant need for a more rugged radiation detector design.  In Phase I feasibility study, we designed, built, and tested a breadboard version of a new generation of windowless radiation detectors, proving their viability. In addition to a windowless design, this new class of portable radiation detectors are compact, extremely rugged, low power (for long field use), cost effective, easy to use, and reliable.  These radiation detectors are based upon one of the most rugged electronics materials available: diamond. In Phase II and beyond, Advent Diamond aims to make a fully operational prototype of the Generation I “World’s most rugged” portable radiation detector, which will incorporate a water-resistant, shock-resistant design. Simultaneously, we will be developing intellectual property and designs for the Generation II “Lab in the Field” detector, which shrinks many of the capabilities of a small radionuclide research lab into a lightweight, field-ready design.  Advent Diamond is focused on evolving proposed business model, determining the market size, developing key partnerships. Thus, team will participate in customer discovery in collaboration technical and business assistance (TABA) consultant to foster relationships with established industrial partners to more rapidly bring products to market.

Technology keywords

Not reported

Other awards by this recipient

Verified by the same UEI. These are other public SBIR/STTR award pages, not a merged company record.

Awards with the same topic code

Verified by an exact topic code match. This is not a text-similarity match.

Research funding history

15 SBIR/STTR records share this UEI (2018–2025). Reported award amounts total $8,382,242. Reported amounts are not federal obligations.

Phases: Phase I, Phase II

Agencies: Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, Department of Commerce

Agency intelligence

Department of Defense

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