Radiation detection and discrimination device, radiation survey instrument, and method

• Main Authors: BOWYER SONYA M, REEDER PAUL L
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 28.11.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TESTING

A radiation detection and discrimination device includes a radiation sensor and signal processing circuitry. The radiation sensor includes a LiBaF3 scintillator configured to simultaneously detect presence of a first type of radiation and a second type of radiation. The radiation sensor generates an output signal for each type of detected radiation. The signal processing circuitry communicates with the sensor, and includes data analysis circuitry and memory. The signal processing circuitry is operative to receive at least one output signal from the sensor. The memory is operative to store at least one predetermined indicia characterizing membership of an output signal within a group comprising a unique type of radiation. The data analysis circuitry compares the output signal with the at least one predetermined indicia to determine membership of the output signal within one group of a plurality of unique groups. Each group comprises a unique type of radiation including the first type of radiation and the second type of radiation. A method is also provided.