Thursday 10 April 2025
The quest for a more efficient and effective way to detect and map radiation has been an ongoing challenge for scientists and engineers. Traditional methods have relied on bulky detectors and cumbersome setup procedures, limiting their usefulness in real-world applications. However, a team of researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has made significant progress in developing a new type of omnidirectional imaging detector that can be easily carried by hand or mounted on vehicles.
The new detector, dubbed the CLLBC-based gamma- neutron-sensitive multi-channel omnidirectional imaging detector, is designed to provide high-resolution 3D maps of radiation sources in real-time. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as homeland security, contamination mapping, and nuclear decommissioning by allowing for rapid and accurate detection of radioactive materials.
The key innovation behind this new detector is its use of CLLBC (Cesium-Lithium-Lanthanum- Bromine-Chloride) crystals, which are highly sensitive to both gamma rays and neutrons. These crystals are arranged in an active-masked configuration, allowing the detector to capture radiation signals from all directions simultaneously.
The detector’s omnidirectional design is made possible by a combination of Geant4 simulations and validation measurements. Geant4 is a widely-used software toolkit for simulating particle interactions and detecting radiation. The researchers used this software to model the behavior of gamma rays and neutrons in various scenarios, allowing them to optimize the detector’s performance.
The CLLBC crystals are also highly efficient at detecting both gamma rays and neutrons, making it possible to map radiation sources with high accuracy. This is particularly important in real-world applications, where accurate mapping can be critical for identifying and mitigating radiation hazards.
One of the most significant advantages of this new detector is its portability. The device is small enough to be easily carried by hand or mounted on vehicles, making it ideal for use in a variety of scenarios, from search-and-rescue operations to environmental monitoring.
The researchers also developed a suite of contextual sensors, known as the Localization and Mapping Platform (LAMP), which provides real-time 3D maps of the environment. This platform combines data from various sensors, including GPS, accelerometers, and magnetometers, to create an accurate picture of the surroundings.
By combining the CLLBC detector with LAMP, researchers can quickly and accurately detect radiation sources in real-world environments. This technology has significant implications for a range of fields, from homeland security to environmental monitoring.
Cite this article: “Revolutionizing Radiation Detection: Free-Moving Gamma-Ray Imaging with CLLBC-Based Detectors”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Radiation Detection, Omnidirectional Imaging, Gamma Rays, Neutrons, Cllbc Crystals, Geant4 Simulations, Homeland Security, Contamination Mapping, Nuclear Decommissioning, Environmental Monitoring
