Active Localization of Gamma and Neutron Sources Brendan

Active Localization of Gamma and Neutron Sources Brendan Mac. Donald, Dr. Besma Abidi, and Dr. Mongi Abidi Imaging, Robotics, and Intelligent Systems Laboratory, The University of Tennessee Motivation Neutron and gamma ray detector • The Nuc. Safe sensor is a very capable passive neutron and gamma ray radiation detector. • The goal is to enable the sensor to autonomously scan vehicles to detect and localize radioactive sources. The wireless low profile sensor mounted on the Safebot. Concept Develop an algorithm that is able to take the measurements from the wireless sensor mounted on a robotic platform and localize radioactive sources. Exempt Cs-137 and Co-60 radioactive sources used for sensor characterization Location predictions for the two source case Dual Lithium Ion Battery Pack microprocessor Location predictions for the three source case. Communication port allowing for access via RS 232 connection Accomplishments • Characterized the detector to evaluate its capabilities and sensitivity. • Initial algorithm developed to detect and localize an unknown number of radioisotopes with unknown strengths in a given area. The measurements collected from the scan of an area allow the strength, number, and location of radioactive sources to be determined before removal is attempted. Information provided by the detector about the radiation dosage rate. Future Work • Coupling the sensor with existing robotics to enable autonomous localization of radioactive sources. • Develop a user interface that allows interaction with the current software interface to control the sensor its robotic platform. • The low profile of the sensor will ultimately allow it to guide an under vehicle robot directly to the source of radiation.