Dynasil to develop advanced radiation detection equipment for US DHS

The US Department of Homeland Security’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) has awarded multiple research contracts to Dynasil subsidiary RMD to develop next generation radiation detection equipment.

Under the $3.4m contracts awarded under Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programmes, Dynasil will assist the government’s efforts in developing gamma and neutron radiation detectors capable of identifying illicit nuclear materials.

Dynasil’s chairman of the Board, interim CEO and president Peter Sulick said that the company continues to develop technology for critical homeland security applications.

"These awards target the development of next generation devices that combat nuclear smuggling by improving detection of nuclear bombs and nuclear materials at ports, airports, railways and border crossings," Sulick added.

The research contracts will support DNDO’s goal of identifying and advancing cost effective detection technology to combat proliferation of nuclear materials.

"We believe that the characteristics of our dual mode scintillation crystal technologies provide an effective and efficient solution to identify neutron and gamma rays, which are signatures of highly enriched uranium and weapons-grade plutonium," Sulick said.

"With helium-3, the gold standard for neutron detection, now in critically short supply, our technology leadership positions us to assist the DNDO in its mission to enhance the nation’s nuclear and radiological materials detection capabilities."