A study of SPRT algorithm and New-Guard for radiation detection

A novel and efficient radiation detection algorithm combined with a measuring unit will produce an ideal detector to battle field radiation measurement problems. Studies of Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) for radiation detection are essential towards developing efficient and accurate radiation detection algorithms. In this study, the performance of the classical Single-Threshold-Test (STT) and the SPRT First-In-First-Out (FIFO) algorithms is considered. Next, improvements made by the Last-In-First-Elected-Last-Out (LIFELO) algorithm are analyzed. Further, enhancements to the LIFELO algorithm, using the Dynamic Background Updating and Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE), are performed; The thesis also provides detailed requirements for an innovative hand-held radiation detection system and underlines additional features available on a New Generation User Adaptable Radiation Detector (New-GUARD) to help the field survey processes. Currently available technologies are studied to rationalize the need for the New-GUARD prototype. The New-GUARD is compared to similar products that are already available in the market to show its completeness as a radiation detector incorporated with Global Positioning System (GPS), wireless communication, and a self-correcting system. Primary performance evaluations of the algorithms are executed using Mathematica and further analysis is carried out with Matlab and C