Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist invents “lighthouse” radiation detector

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) recently unveiled a new smaller radiation detector invented at the lab that uses a sweeping beam to quickly pinpoint a radiation source to reduce radiation exposure risks for workers.

The detectors use directional sensors to scan through a narrow angle looking for radiation. LANL uses the devices aboard HAZMAT robots for emergency response and to conduct geologic surveys.

“The more we can reduce radiation exposure, the better it is for the people doing the work,” Jonathan Dowell, a Los Alamos scientist and inventor of the detector, said. “Using a robot or automated machines can help.”

LANL plans to deploy the detectors in a test later this year that will use a robot to survey radioactive materials at the Trinity nuclear test site. The test will assess the ability of the device to measure minute trace of radioactive material and quickly survey large areas.

The detector has applications that include locating contaminants at waste sites, conducting inventory, tracking the movement of radioactive materials for national security purposes and verifying that areas are free of radioactive sources.

LANL patented the detectors, and industrial partner Quaesta Instruments commercialized them.