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Improved Solid-State Neutron Detector

Award Information
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Branch: N/A
Contract: HSHQDC-07-C-00124
Agency Tracking Number: 711133
Amount: $149,999.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: H-SB07.1-009
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
44 Hunt Street
Watertown, MA 02472
United States
DUNS: 073804411
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 James Christian
 Group Leader, Instrument R & D
 (617) 668-6897
 JChristian@rmdinc.com
Business Contact
 Gerald Entine
Title: President
Phone: (617) 668-6800
Email: GEntine@Rmdinc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

<p>The use and applications of radiological sources, for power, medical, and defense applications, continuously increases with time. Illicit nuclear materials represent a threat for the safety of the American citizens and the detection and interdiction of a nuclear weapon is a national problem that has not been yet solved. This represents an enormous challenge to current detection methods and monitoring technologies that have to be substantially improved to demonstrate accurate radiation identification capabilities. Using neutron signatures represents a promising solution, however, such a detection technique requires capabilities of detecting neutrons while rejecting effectively background gamma rays. Rugged and low-power neutron detectors are highly desirable for large-scale deployment. This research develops a neutron detector that has the potential of replacing pressurized 3He-tubes and current solid-state detectors with an ultra-compact detector based on CMOS-SSPM (Solid State Photomultipliers) technology. This technology provides a low-power, portable unit that can be mass-produced and deployed in a wireless network on a large scale. The detector is very fast and, in addition, can provide time and spectroscopy information over a wide energy range, including fast neutrons and is, therefore, capable of identifying threatening incidents at the speed of life.</p>

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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