DHS Awards $22M for Advanced Pocket Sized Radiation Detectors

October 18, 2006 // Published as a news service by IHS

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) awarded Intelligent Personal Radiation Locator (IPRL) program contracts totaling approximately $22M to General Electric Global Research, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Smiths Detection.

These competitive, 27-month contracts are for the development and testing of advanced pocket sized radiation detection prototypes, according to DHS.

The IPRL program serves to develop technologies that autonomously detect the source of radiation and reliably discriminate between normally-occurring radioactive materials, background, and potential threats.

IPRL systems will have the capability for determining the direction, flux, energy, and isotope of detected radiation, as well as the location and orientation of the alarm, DHS said.

"IPRL systems show real promise for the security and safety of first responders, border patrol agents, customs and coast guard officers and other law enforcement personnel," said Vayl S. Oxford, DNDO Director. "Homeland Security personnel and first responders will know in real time if they confront a security or safety risk from a device that fits in the palm of their hand."

Source: Department of Homeland Security (DHS).