Identification of low-level point radiation sources using a sensor network

Nageswara S.V. Rao, Mallikarjun Shankar, Srinivasagopalan Srivathsan, S. Sitharama Iyengar, Jren Chit Chin, David K.Y. Yau, Yong Yang, Jennifer C. Hou

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

89 Scopus citations

Abstract

Identification of a low-level point radiation source amidst background radiation is achieved by a network of radiation sensors using a two-step approach. Based on measurements from three sensors, the geometric difference triangulation method is used to estimate the location and strength of the source. Then a sequential probability ratio test based on current measurements and estimated parameters is employed to finally decide: (1) the presence of a source with the estimated parameters, or (2) the absence of the source, or (3) the insufficiency of measurements to make a decision. This method achieves specified levels of false alarm and missed detection probabilities, while ensuring a close-to-minimal number of measurements for reaching a decision. This method minimizes the ghost-source problem of current estimation methods, and achieves a lower false alarm rate compared with current detection methods. This method is tested and demonstrated using: (1) simulations, and (2) a test-bed that utilizes the scaling properties of point radiation sources to emulate high intensity ones that cannot be easily and safely handled in laboratory experiments.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2008 International Conference on Information Processing in Sensor Networks, IPSN 2008
Pages493-504
Number of pages12
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Event2008 International Conference on Information Processing in Sensor Networks, IPSN 2008 - St. Louis, MO, United States
Duration: Apr 22 2008Apr 24 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2008 International Conference on Information Processing in Sensor Networks, IPSN 2008

Conference

Conference2008 International Conference on Information Processing in Sensor Networks, IPSN 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySt. Louis, MO
Period04/22/0804/24/08

Keywords

  • Detection and localization
  • Point radiation source
  • Sequential probability ratio test

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Identification of low-level point radiation sources using a sensor network'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this