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Lab technology helps detect potential radiation sources

Gregory Sheppard of Safeguards Science and Technology (N-1) holds a Fiestaware plate in front of a new mobile, nuclear-detection system for homeland defense created by the Laboratory. Technology for the Interdiction of Radiation-Emitting Material (IREM) was demonstrated on Tuesday in the high bay and conference room of Building 2 at Technical Area 35. The vehicle-mounted radiation detection unit looks for both gamma and neutron signals and then identifies their source isotopically within one minute. Sheppard holds the plate - which is coated with a Uranium glaze - while the IREM system scans it searching for isotopes. The system can be operated automatically - parked near a traffic choke point to alarm when triggered - or manually - driven alongside such things as large trucks to determine the exact location of a nuclear source.

After detecting radiation, the Interdiction of Radiation-Emitting Material (IREM) system scans a test source before identifying the isotopes contained in it. The source will be categorized as one of four types: medical, industrial, natural or special nuclear material. The results of the scan appear in the empty box on the monitor and will detail the relative strength of the source and what isotopes were found in it. Photos by Chris Roybal, Public Affairs

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