Advancing Radiation Detection Equipment for Detecting Nuclear and Other Radioactive out of Material Out of Regulatory Control
Closed for Proposals
Project Type
Coordinated Research ProjectProject Code
J02012
CRP
2102
Approved Date
Project Status
ClosedStart Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
Participating Countries
Albania, Burkina Faso, China, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Sri Lanka, Russian Federation, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Viet NamDescription
The current state of radiation detection instruments and systems used to detect illicit trafficking in nuclear or other radioactive material is inadequate to meet the nuclear security needs of the Member States. Research under this CRP will assist in advancing design attributes, communication means, operational conditions, and sustainability elements related to radiation detection instruments and methods. The advances will be supported by research and development on current detector materials to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of systems through improved or alternative detection and identification algorithms, improved understanding of equipment performance and recommendations for more effective use or design, improved designs for networking and information communication, improved alert and alarm mechanisms and displays, and recommendations on functional, test, and technical specifications for detection systems. The CRP will involve detection systems for use at both designated and undesignated points of entry.
Objectives
The goal of the CRP is to develop technical documents, hardware designs and software, training materials and approaches, and information tools for radiation detection instrument improvements that can be used by Member States to effectively implement and sustain nuclear security detection architectures and the systems used for detecting nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control.
Specific Objectives
Form technical documents on recommendations for networking of systems and attributes of information that should be available and share between national and international stakeholders with methods of communication.
Development of improved technical designs, tools, and understanding of radiation detection equipment and specifications for improved performance.
Development and testing of new approaches for instrument design and application including improved radionuclide libraries and detection functionality.
Development of detection equipment lifecycle cost estimating tools and technical guidance on repair and replacement of radiation detection system hardware.
Development of software tools that can analyse the performance of radiation detection systems.
Form technical documents on recommendations for networking of systems and attributes of information that should be available and share between national and international stakeholders with methods of communication.
Development of improved technical designs, tools, and understanding of radiation detection equipment and specifications for improved performance.
Development and testing of new approaches for instrument design and application including improved radionuclide libraries and detection functionality.
Development of detection equipment lifecycle cost estimating tools and technical guidance on repair and replacement of radiation detection system hardware.
Development of software tools that can analyse the performance of radiation detection systems.
Impact
CRP J02012 has significantly bolstered global nuclear security by improving the detection and management of unregulated nuclear and radioactive materials. Through international collaboration, the project has led to the development of advanced radiation detection technologies and methodologies, thereby strengthening the ability of member states to prevent, detect, and respond to illicit trafficking and unauthorized use of such materials. The CRP has produced tangible technological innovations including AI-based detection algorithms, UAV-integrated systems, and advanced spectroscopic methods that are being operationally deployed by Member States. The research has directly enhanced the technical capabilities of front-line officers through improved equipment specifications, training methodologies, and maintenance protocols developed from extensive field testing and validation studies. This initiative has not only enhanced technical capabilities but also fostered a cooperative framework among nations, contributing to a more secure and safe global environment.
Relevance
This CRP was highly relevant in today's global nuclear security landscape. As illicit trafficking and unauthorized use of nuclear materials pose significant threats to national and international security, this project directly supported efforts to strengthen nuclear and radiation monitoring capabilities. The research addressed critical operational gaps identified by Member States, including equipment sustainability challenges, performance optimization under diverse conditions, and the need for enhanced detection algorithms to address emerging threats. The collaborative approach enabled knowledge transfer between developed and developing nations, ensuring that advanced detection technologies and methodologies are accessible to all participating Member States regardless of their technological baseline. The CRP's focus on practical implementation and field validation ensured that research outcomes directly translate into operational improvements for nuclear security systems worldwide. By fostering innovation in detection technologies and enhancing collaboration among Member States, CRP J02012 played a crucial role in mitigating nuclear security risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting international commitments to non-proliferation and public safety.
CRP Publications
State Nuclear Security Technology Center, China
Conference Poster
2020
"The development of LaBr3 detection system which can realize rapid identification and analysis of radionuclides" presented at ICONS-2020