Development of a WiFi-Enabled Radiation Detector
Disciplines
Nuclear Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
In this study, an ionizing radiation detector was developed to be capable of transmitting data over WiFi that is critical for radiation safety including count rate, dose rate, total counts and total accumulated dose. This information is crucial for the safety of individuals exposed to radiation, as the data will serve as a guide for the next steps required for protective actions or an exposed person’s treatment following radiation exposure. The developed detector is sensitive to beta and gamma radiation. It was calibrated and tested using a rate meter and radioactive sources including P-32, Co-60, Cs-137, thorium, and natural uranium. The detector is compact and robust, allowing for the portability needed to complete field measurements. The wirelessly-transmitted data allows for uncomplicated user interaction and interpretation on a computer to quickly gather information regarding radioactivity in the test area while not requiring any further exposure to perform measurements. Using this detector, a responder in a situation involving radioactivity will lessen their doses while gathering data by spending less time near the source and being able to collect data from a distance. The simplicity and low cost of the detector make it an ideal detection device for use in radioactively contaminated areas while allowing the monitoring of dose rates and accumulated dose levels from a safe distance due to its wireless capabilities.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Electrical and Computer Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Eduardo B. Farfan
Additional Faculty
Dr. Jungkyu Park, Mechanical Engineering, jpark186@kennesaw.edu Dr. Tien Mun Yee, Civil Engineering, tyee@kennesaw.edu
Development of a WiFi-Enabled Radiation Detector
In this study, an ionizing radiation detector was developed to be capable of transmitting data over WiFi that is critical for radiation safety including count rate, dose rate, total counts and total accumulated dose. This information is crucial for the safety of individuals exposed to radiation, as the data will serve as a guide for the next steps required for protective actions or an exposed person’s treatment following radiation exposure. The developed detector is sensitive to beta and gamma radiation. It was calibrated and tested using a rate meter and radioactive sources including P-32, Co-60, Cs-137, thorium, and natural uranium. The detector is compact and robust, allowing for the portability needed to complete field measurements. The wirelessly-transmitted data allows for uncomplicated user interaction and interpretation on a computer to quickly gather information regarding radioactivity in the test area while not requiring any further exposure to perform measurements. Using this detector, a responder in a situation involving radioactivity will lessen their doses while gathering data by spending less time near the source and being able to collect data from a distance. The simplicity and low cost of the detector make it an ideal detection device for use in radioactively contaminated areas while allowing the monitoring of dose rates and accumulated dose levels from a safe distance due to its wireless capabilities.