MCNPX simulation and experimental validation of an unmanned aerial radiological system (UARS) for rapid qualitative identification of weak hotspots.

Nuclear threats such as dirty bombs and illicit trafficking of radioactive sources are major concerns of humanity. Fast detection and accurate localization of radioactive material out of regulatory control (MORC) by autonomous and semi-autonomous monitoring systems like robots can help to reduce radiation exposure to the public and workers, and it will improve security and peace in the world. This study proposes an autonomous radiological monitoring system consisting of a 2-inch NaI detector coupled to a PM tube and mounted on a multi-rotor UAV to detect radioactive sources.

Detecting and tracking multiple mobile radioactive sources by data fusion of a surveillance camera and a sodium iodide (NaI) detector.

Nowadays, the use of radioactive materials has increased due to recent progress in nuclear technology, but concerns about the missing or smuggling of radioactive materials have persisted. Nuclear threats such as terrorist attacks or the malicious use of radioactive materials out of regulatory control (MORC) are always severe problems that can result in adverse environmental, health, economic, and security effects. Applying new technologies to monitor and track MORC will prevent radioactive materials from being illegally transported across borders or from one place to another.