INTEGRATED RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEMS

INTEGRATED RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEMS


THE PROBLEM

According to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the proliferation of weapons of mass

destruction (WMD) and the threat of nuclear terrorism will continue to represent two of the most serious

threats facing the United States and the international community. While the U.S. nuclear weapons

arsenal provides the ultimate guarantee of our overarching national security, the end of the Cold War

weakened the security of other nations’ nuclear stockpiles. As a result, it has become possible for illicit

nuclear materials to find there way into the hands of rogue nations and terrorist groups around the world.

Some extremist groups have and do seek out weapons of mass destruction as a method through which

they can enact a campaign of terror.

“The U.S. and its allies face a threat from violent extremists and other non-state

actors who receive support from states that seek to use them as proxies. Some

violent extremist groups seek WMD for use in their acts of terrorism.”

- NNSA Strategic Planning Guidance for 2010-2014, April 2008

As a part of their priorities, the NNSA and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seek to

enhance monitoring efforts at customs and border sites and improve detection capabilities for undeclared

WMD activities worldwide. Since September 11, 2001, it has been seen that WMDs continue to evolve and

adapt, and present a significant security threat. Appropriate detection and identification systems are

necessary to effectively defeat and/or deter this threat. Such systems must be able to recognize both the

presence and the movement of radioactive material across borders, into government buildings, and at

large public gatherings or events.

If a terrorist organization succeeds in obtaining nuclear materials with the intent to use it as part of a

WMD, the threat will most likely come in the form of a small, portable device, transported by an

individual. Detecting such an attack requires specific equipment with highly sensitive, accurate detection

and identification capabilities.

STRIDE™ TECHNOLOGY

To meet this need, ICx Technologies developed the Stride detection units and systems to monitor public

areas and portals for the presence of illicit radioactive materials. Stride systems can be openly or covertly

installed in building entrances, at airports, bus or train stations, above or beside luggage and freight

conveyer belts, by stadium entrances, ship ports as well as any other similar location which maintains a

heightened threat risk. These systems can not only detect a radioactive source, but, dependent upon the

amount of material present and the pace of the transporter, can also properly identify the radionuclides

involved within just a few seconds. Stride classifies the type of material as medical, industrial, naturally

occurring or special nuclear material. In addition, the system will specify whether the material is an


innocent, suspicious or threat alarm as well as identify the specific isotope(s) involved. All this

information is relayed to a command and control center and security personnel through visible or audible

annunciators.

Stride technology is comprised of a digital signal processor based spectrometer, proprietary stabilization

methodology, and powerful detection and identification algorithms. The same ICx technology is currently

deployed in thousands of ICx radioactive isotope identification devices (RIIDs) and advanced

spectroscopic portals.

The stable platform inherent in all Stride devices allows data to be summed for either identification

purposes or to locate the source. Multiple units deployed in a single facility enhances the detection

capabilities of the system and allows both identification and location processes to happen simultaneously.

STRIDE™ SYSTEMS

Stride detection units from ICx Technologies provide extremely sensitive and accurate area surveillance

for radionuclides. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and features for nearly any application and

can be installed behind security counters, in doorways, along hallways, within standard crowd control

stanchions and countless other locations where there is concern over the uncontrolled movement of

radioactive materials.

The Stride family of products can be set up to meet location specific detection and identification needs.

From a basic, stand-alone monitoring system to a complex, highly integrated monitoring solution, all

Stride units can provide ‘on-the-fly’ categorization and identification of a radioactive source. Due to the

nature of the detection and identification technology, any Stride system can identify the radionuclide and

also categorize the found source as innocent, suspicious or threatening. In addition, the system is able to

classify the source as medical, naturally occurring, industrial or special nuclear material. As a result, a

suspect terrorist is unable to allege that the system is actually detecting a nuclear medicine source or the

results of recent radiation therapy.

The concept behind the Stride systems is to provide a scalable monitoring network. With several varieties

of detection units, the in-place system is expandable, mobile and flexible enough to meet any security

scenario. A number of different detectors, alarm indicators and displays can be integrated in order to

provide a complete solution. Through an easily networked client-server package, the system can be tied

into existing communications protocols and alarms can even be sent wirelessly to any number of PDAs.

Stride units integrated into a facility can be installed to address the varying measurement needs at specific

points in a security network. The units can be mixed and matched in an existing network as required to


meet application needs. Dependent upon the type of device, Stride units allow for unattended operation

through Ethernet or battery power. A key benefit of any Stride installation is that neither spectroscopy

knowledge nor training is required to effectively operate the system or interpret the gathered data. The

enhanced detection and identification algorithms significantly reduce false alarms and nuisance events.

At its core, the system is easy to use and provides rapid detection with real time identification.

All Stride detection units have several things in common. A typical detection unit consists of a NaI

scintillation detector for gamma radiation detection; DSP (digital signal processor) based electronics with

source or LED stabilization; a multi-channel pulse height analyzer; a K40 source in the form of KCl for

calibration verification and at times, stabilization; mains, battery or PoE (Power over Ethernet) power;

and a data and control communication method. An optional He3 neutron detector and high doserate GM

detector are available as well as wireless communication with rechargeable battery power. All of this is

housed in a single, sealed unit for a “black box” approach to installation.


STRIDE DETECTION UNITS DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS

SERIES 200

Basic Detection Units

The most basic device in the Stride system is also the most versatile. This unit is housed in a dust and moisture proof Aluminum enclosure. The small size allows this unit to be placed covertly within doorways, podiums or even along conveyor belts.

� 2” diameter by 3” NaI detector

� RJ-45 Ethernet communication

� Power over Ethernet

OPTIONAL

� He3 neutron detector

� High dose rate GM detector

SERIES 300

Stanchion Detection Units

This unit is housed in a standard crowd control stanchion, allowing for extremely versatile placement while maintaining the covert nature of detection.

Stanchion detection units can be placed seamlessly with standard stanchions with no external indication to the detection capability within.



� Power over Ethernet

OPTIONAL



� Wireless communication

� Rechargeable battery

SERIES 400

Ruggedized Detection Units

These units are housed in watertight stainless steel enclosures and are deployable to a depth of 165 feet.


� RS-232C communication

� Rechargeable batteries

SERIES 700

Security Detection Units

These units are housed in an Aluminum pedestal with wood top and base.

� 2” thick by 4” wide by 16” long NaI detector

� DSP electronics

� Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)


OPTIONAL



SERIES 800

Portal Detection Units

For permanent personnel portals, these units are enclosed in an Aluminum housing with a wood top and base.

� Two (2) large 2” thick by 4” wide by 16” long NaI detector

� DSP electronics

� Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)


OPTIONAL




COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE

No matter the detection unit or the integration method, all of the system integration and data processing

is done by the Stride server software. This is a ‘faceless’ software package communicating with detection

units and clients via network connections. Various levels of functionality are available with different

server software packages.

Stride Basic software controls alarm protocols, communicates with the detection unit and allows the unit

to be run in the background with no visible indication on a computer screen. This Basic software provides

data in XML format and can be easily integrated into an OEM software package.

Stride ID software extends the capabilities of the Basic software and combines the data output from two

or more detection units in order to enhance the identification capability. Advanced algorithms provide

expanded classification and identification of specific isotopes. In the event of an alarm, a brief isotope

description is provided to all security personnel to more appropriately respond to a given situation.

Stride View software receives the data from the server and

allows it to be displayed on a computer screen. This

information can be accessed either on a PC or a PDA and can

be configured to view an individual or combination of

detection units. Stride View provides two levels of operation.

In “simple” operation, a basic user can access alarm and

identification information easily. A detection alert is classified

as innocent, suspicious or threat and the isotope is clearly

identified. The advanced screen allows more knowledgeable

users to access spectrum and does rate information. In

addition to identifications, this screen displays the spectrum

accumulated during an alarm and instantaneous background

spectrum under normal conditions. Specific count and dose

rate information are also displayed.

The Stride web interface allows live data to be viewed through a website. The web server embedded in the

detection unit allows users to view instrument information, such as serial number and software version,

as well as download updates. The website displays dose and count rate information as well as real, live

and dead time.

Basic screen

Advanced screen


INTEGRATION METHODOLOGIES

With several detection unit and communication options, the Stride series of radionuclide detection units

can be easily integrated into a variety of different security scenarios. In any case, the units can be

emplaced completely covertly and do not require any significant changes to the transit path of persons

using or traveling through the facility. When multiple units are utilized, data can be summed which

enhances sensitivity, lowering detection limits to extremely small amounts of radioactive material. In

addition, such emplacements only require one neutron capable detection unit, providing a level of cost

effectiveness which matches the security risk.

One basic method of integrating Stride systems into a facility is to place several Series 200 basic detection

units into the door frames of an existing building entrance. In this scenario, persons utilizing the facility

would never notice a change or realize the heightened level of security on the premises. With a

combination of Stride software, identification of a detected radioactive source could happen within

seconds while security personnel are being notified of the alarm on their PDAs and in a command center.


Other methods include replacing some standard crowd control stanchions within an already declared

security lane with stanchion detection units. By outward appearance, the detection units look identical to

every other stanchion. Again, this allows security professionals to covertly increase the level of security at

a facility without broadcasting detection capabilities to potential terrorists.

SUMMARY

Through the implementation of the Stride family of radionuclide detection devices, security professionals

now have the means to detect and track illicit radioactive materials. Technology implementations such as

those outlined here will help officials meet and defeat one of the foremost security challenges now and in

the future. Unobtrusive, covert detection capabilities help give security professionals a leg up on terrorist

plots.

“The primary national security challenge facing the United States is the nexus of

violent extremists and regional states of concern that are seeking or have WMD.”

- NNSA Strategic Planning Guidance for 2010-2014, April 2008

Documents

INTEGRATED RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEMS