Abstract
Research and development is underway to improve radiation and
nuclear detection capabilities. This research and development in radiation
and nuclear detection includes areas such as advanced materials, applied
research and engineering for designing and fabricating customized detection
equipment, and theoretical modeling and computational support. Oak Ridge
National Laboratory (ORNL) has a distinctive set of detector materials
fabrication and characterization capabilities and recently created a Center
for Radiation Detection Materials and Systems. Applied research and
engineering efforts have led to the development of improved detectors for
specific applications including safeguards, treaty monitoring, and science
experiments. All sizes, types, and capabilities of detector systems have been
addressed from miniature to man-portable and from neutrons to gamma
radiation. Dedicated test beds, in-house and in the field, have been established
to analyze, characterize, and improve detection systems.