Polaris-H - High-precision portable radioactivity detector

Researchers at the University of Michigan have recently introduced a faster, cheaper method of detecting and mapping radioactive leak hotspots at nuclear power plants. This method uses a camera with the ability to map radiation in real time.

Accurately mapping and measuring radiation in a nuclear area is a time-consuming, labor-intensive task, with many dangers and high costs. In addition, high-precision equipment needs super-cooled refrigeration, they are often quite bulky and slow to operate. Not to mention the cost of equipment can be up to 200,000 USD.

Touch control interface, display information in real time

The University of Michigan solution is a Polaris-H detector . The device was developed based on a projection technology capable of tracking nuclear terrorists and was also commercialized by H3D. Polaris-H is a handheld radiation camera containing a Cadmium-Zinc-Tellurium gamma ray detector stored at room temperature. The device is extremely high-precision, lighter and costs only half that of super-welding devices.

Camera on Polaris-H

Zhong He, a professor of nuclear engineering and radiation science at the University of Michigan and H3D CEO, said: "This technology allows us to" see "radiation. signs of leakage by identifying abnormal radiation and equipment can become a tool to clean nuclear waste and radioactive dust - radioactive particles left behind by a nuclear explosion in places like Fukushima, Japan ".

According to the developers, Polaris-H operates much faster than previous devices and performing tasks usually takes several weeks in just half an hour. Not only can the presence of radiation be detected, the device can also find the exact location of the radiation source and allow the user to monitor the source of the source as well as the doubtful points as difficult to identify as inside the pipes thick, scattered radioactive particles, radioactive fuel rods.

The whole system is compact, can be carried easily

H3D President - William Kaye said the system not only detects leaks in a series of pipes but also accurately detects which pipes focus the highest radiation. The device operates in real time and can be operated via a touch controller with a 4.5m-long connecting cord. The camera is set up simply with the push of a button and the operator performs the job from a safe distance. Meanwhile, the camera will store data on a USB for later analysis.

Polaris-H is currently being used at Donald C. Cook's nuclear power plant in Michigan, the basic science institute in Daejeon, South Korea, NASA and the US defense ministry.