European Reference Network for Critical Infrastructure Protection: - Novel Detection Technologies for Nuclear Security

Radiation detectors are used in nuclear security to detect nuclear and other radioactive materials out of regulatory control. In nuclear security, both the operational environment and detector technologies are constantly evolving. This document provides an overview on recent development on radiation detection technologies that are likely to have an impact on nuclear security in the near future. The four main topics covered are: detectors for gamma-ray spectrometry, neutron detectors, data acquisition and source localisation. This document will be published together with another report that concentrates on the impact of novel detection technologies from operational point of view. Therefore, the focus of this document is on technical aspects of the technologies.JRC.E.2-Technology Innovation in Securit

Impact of Novel Technologies on Nuclear Security and Emergency Preparedness

Novel technologies can benefit nuclear security and emergency preparedness in multiple ways. Generally, systems based on novel technologies are more flexible and can thus be quickly adapted to changes in the operational environment. In addition, these systems are more autonomous and are dependent on the expertise of the frontline officer. The key emerging technologies for nuclear security and emergency preparedness include novel detection instruments, robotics, list-mode data acquisition and remote expert support. Novel technologies can reduce the size and cost of detection instruments while providing new features, such as automated source localization. Robots can automatically screen large areas and operate in environments with extremely high dose rates or the presence of other threats such as explosives. List-mode data acquisition is a compulsory requirement for many novel detection instruments and, thus a standardized list-mode data format is needed for sharing measurement data between different entities. It is important to note that many novel technologies are not just direct, improved replacements for existing systems. Instead, to utilize the full potential of novel technologies, the concept of operation should also be modified. For example, instead of relying on fixed portal monitor installations where people and cargo must pass the detector one by one, novel technologies enable efficient screening of people and cargo in an unconstrained environment. Adaptation of novel technologies also has major challenges. One challenge is that most technologies rely heavily on reliable and secure data transfer capabilities. This makes the systems more vulnerable to both intentional and unintentional disruptions in the data transfer network. In addition, it would be unrealistic to expect that novel technologies could replace the existing systems at once. Therefore, new instruments must be operated alongside with legacy systems, which can be rather challenging if the old and new system require different concepts of operation.JRC.E.2-Technology Innovation in Securit