3D Compton Imaging of Distributed Sources around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

K. Knecht, D. Gunter, A. Haefner, J. Hecla, D. Hellfeld, T. H.Y. Joshi, R. Pavlovsky, B. Quiter, K. Vetter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Portable radiation detection systems can be equipped with contextual sensors to allow free-moving 3D gamma-ray imaging in a method called scene data fusion (SDF). The scene information provided by the contextual sensors can be used to enable 3D imaging and constrain image reconstruction to improve imaging accuracy and computational efficiency and visualization. SDF could be a useful tool in many applications, including radiation mapping for accident assessment and remediation. To demonstrate this concept, Polaris-LAMP, a commercially available detector that has been integrated with contextual sensors, was operated in some areas in and around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP). Here, we present results employing Compton image reconstruction in combination with SDF of data that were collected over series of 20-50 minute dynamic measurements around Pripyat, a nearby town which has been abandoned since the accident in 1986 and in some locations within ChNPP. With the SDF enabled Polaris-LAMP it was possible to create 3D maps of gamma-ray sources and to successfully identify hot spot candidates of Cs-137 on key features of the scenes investigated, demonstrating the usefulness of SDF in the mapping of unknown distributed source environments. In addition, the reconstructed 3D scenes provide important context and visualization of structures and objects.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2021 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference Record, NSS/MIC 2021 and 28th International Symposium on Room-Temperature Semiconductor Detectors, RTSD 2022
EditorsHideki Tomita, Tatsuya Nakamura
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665421133
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes
Event2021 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2021 - Virtual, Yokohama, Japan
Duration: Oct 16 2021Oct 23 2021

Publication series

Name2021 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference Record, NSS/MIC 2021 and 28th International Symposium on Room-Temperature Semiconductor Detectors, RTSD 2022

Conference

Conference2021 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2021
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityVirtual, Yokohama
Period10/16/2110/23/21

Funding

Manuscript received December 1, 2021. This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration through the Nuclear Science and Security Consortium under Award Number(s) DE-NA0003180. This support does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement on the part of the United States Government.

FundersFunder number
National Nuclear Security AdministrationDE-NA0003180

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