Mobile Imaging System To Improve Nuclear Threat Detection

  • Nov 10, 2008

GE Global Research, the technology development arm for the General Electric Company, recently announced it has been awarded funding from the Department of Homeland Security to develop a working prototype of a mobile Standoff Radiation Imaging System (SORIS). The research is part of a DHS program to advance technologies that provide new tools for law enforcement and first responders to better protect against nuclear threats.

The goal of the project is to build a prototype imaging system that can identify radioactive sources from longer distances with greater specificity, pinpointing their origins almost to an exact location. The system will be highly sensitized to detect the weakest signs of radioactivity from a distance, while in a moving vehicle such as a SUV or cargo van.

“GE researchers are building a roving nuclear threat detector that will enable law enforcement and first responders to more effectively root out dangerous radioactive threats at our borders, bridges, tunnels and other highly trafficked public areas,“ said Scott Zelakiewicz, GE Global Research’s principal investigator on the SORIS project. “Increasing the distance at which these threats are detected is a central goal of this project. Fortunately, we can leverage complementary technology and expertise in medical imaging to help meet DHS’ goal of getting these solutions to market faster.”

Development of GE’s initial prototype for the mobile standoff radiation system marks the second phase of a multi-phased $7 million program with DHS to support advancements in standoff radiation detection.

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