l          Detecting Radiation

Scientists have developed the following four major types of instrument to detect and identify radioactive materials and ionizing radiation.

Ø          Personal Radiation Detector (PRD)

A wearable gamma and/or neutron radiation detector, approximately the size of a pager.  When exposed to elevated radiation levels, the device alarms with flashing lights, tones, and/or vibrations.

Ø          Handheld Survey Meter

Handheld radiation detector, which typically measures the amount of radiation present and provides this information on a numerical display in units of counts per minute, counts per second, or mSv per hour.  Most of these devices detect beta and gamma radiation only.  However, some models can detect alpha, beta, gamma, and/or neutron radiation emitted from radioactive materials.

Ø          Radiation Isotope Identification Device (RIID)

A radiation detector with the ability to analyze the energy spectrum of radiation, in order to identify the specific radioactive material (radionuclide) that is emitting the radiation

Ø          Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM)

A large pass-through radiation monitor (or "portal") for personnel, vehicles, container boxes, or trains.  Typically, these devices consist of two pillars containing radiation detectors, which are remotely monitored from a display panel.  These monitors alarm to indicate the presence of radioactive materials, including low-radiation materials like uranium.