Miniature multinuclide detection system and methods

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and methods for detection and identification of target radionuclides and threatening radionuclides that may be present in a sample volume. One aspect of the invention discloses a digital computational apparatus that determines similarity or identity to a target radionuclide or a threatening radionuclide. In another aspect, the invention discloses a high throughput apparatus for detection of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or for identifying a target radionuclide present in a sample volume, or both, that includes a detecting means, an analyzing means, and an identifying means. In a further aspect the invention discloses a high throughput apparatus for communicating the presence of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, the identity of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or both to appropriate personnel. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a high throughput apparatus for warning of the presence and/or the identity of a threatening radionuclide in a sample volume to appropriate personnel. The invention furthermore provides methods for accomplishing the above-disclosed detection, identification, communication and warning.

1 . A digital computational apparatus comprising 
 a) a device programmed to perform steps comprising 
 i) comparing characteristics of a sample signal with corresponding characteristics of a plurality of reference signals; and  
 ii) determining whether characteristics of the sample signal are similar to or identical to characteristics of at least one reference signal; and  
   b) a memory device in which is stored data providing characteristics of a plurality of reference signals;    wherein each reference signal characterizes a signal waveform of a target radionuclide or a threatening radionuclide.    
   
   
       2 . The digital computational apparatus described in  claim 1  wherein a target radionuclide or a threatening radionuclide is chosen from a set comprising cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       3 . A high throughput apparatus for detection of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or for identifying a target radionuclide present in a sample volume, or both, comprising 
 a) detecting means for detecting radiation emanating from a radionuclide in a sample volume, wherein the detecting means produces a sample signal characteristic of the radionuclide;    b) analyzing means for analyzing the sample signal to identify its characteristics, wherein the analyzing means interacts with the detecting means;    c) identifying means for determining whether characteristics of the sample signal are similar or identical to a signal characteristic of a target radionuclide, and wherein the identifying means interacts with the analyzing means,    whereby if the sample signal is determined to be so similar or identical the apparatus has detected the target radionuclide, and whereby the apparatus, by identifying the sample signal as being so similar or identical, identifies a target radionuclide in the sample volume.    
   
   
       4 . The apparatus described in  claim 3  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, an alpha particle, a beta particle or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus described in  claim 3  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus described in  claim 3  wherein the detecting means comprises a scintillation detector, a solid state gamma ray detector, a solid state x-ray detector, or a neutron detector, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus described in  claim 3  wherein a target radionuclide is chosen from a set comprising cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodinei25, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus described in  claim 3  wherein the apparatus detects and identifies a plurality of target radionuclides chosen from among cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium 99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus described in  claim 3  that detects or identifies or both in an elapsed time from about 0.1 second to about 10 seconds.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus described in  claim 9  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 4 seconds.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus described in claims  9  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 0.5 second.  
   
   
       12 . A high throughput apparatus for communicating the presence of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, the identity of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or both, comprising 
 a) detecting means for detecting radiation emanating from a radionuclide in a sample volume, wherein the detecting means produces a sample signal characteristic of the radionuclide;    b) analyzing means for analyzing the sample signal to identify its characteristics, wherein the analyzing means interacts with the detecting means;    c) identifying means for determining whether characteristics of the sample signal are similar or identical to a signal characteristic of a target radionuclide, and wherein the identifying means interacts with the analyzing means; and    d) communicating means that communicates a determination that the sample signal is so similar or identical;    whereby the apparatus communicates the presence of the target radionuclide in the sample volume, and whereby the apparatus communicates the identity of the target radionuclide in the sample volume.    
   
   
       13 . The apparatus described in  claim 12  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, an alpha particle, a beta particle or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus described in  claim 12  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus described in  claim 12  wherein the detecting means comprises a scintillation detector, a solid state gamma ray detector, a solid state x-ray detector, a neutron detector, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus described in  claim 12  wherein a target radionuclide is chosen from a set comprising cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodinei25, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus described in  claim 12  wherein the apparatus communicates the presence and identity of a plurality of target radionuclides chosen from among cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus described in  claim 12  that detects or identifies or both in an elapsed time from about 0.1 second to about 10 seconds.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus described in  claim 18  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 4 seconds.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus described in claims  18  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 0.5 second.  
   
   
       21 . A high throughput apparatus for warning of the presence and/or the identity of a threatening radionuclide in a sample volume, comprising 
 a) detecting means for detecting radiation emanating from a radionuclide in a sample volume, wherein the detecting means produces a sample signal characteristic of the radionuclide;    b) analyzing means for analyzing the sample signal to identify its characteristics, wherein the analyzing means interacts with the detecting means;    c) comparing means for comparing characteristics of the sample signal to a set of signals, wherein each member of the set is a signal that is characteristic of a threatening radionuclide, wherein the comparing means interacts with the analyzing means;    d) identifying means for determining whether characteristics of the sample signal are similar or identical to a signal characteristic of a threatening radionuclide, and wherein the identifying means interacts with the comparing means; and    e) warning means that warns that the sample signal is determined to be so similar or identical; whereby the apparatus warns of the presence of the threatening radionuclide in the sample volume, and whereby the apparatus warns of the identity of the threatening radionuclide in the sample volume.    
   
   
       22 . The apparatus described in  claim 21  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, an alpha particle, a beta particle or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       23 . The apparatus described in  claim 21  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus described in  claim 21  wherein the detecting means comprises a scintillation detector, a solid state gamma ray detector, a solid state x-ray detector, a neutron detector, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus described in  claim 21  wherein a target radionuclide is chosen from a set comprising cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       26 . The apparatus described in  claim 21  wherein the apparatus provides a warning of the presence and identity of a plurality of target radionuclides chosen from among cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       27 . The apparatus described in  claim 21  that detects or identifies or both in an elapsed time from about 0.1 second to about 10 seconds.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus described in  claim 27  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 4 seconds.  
   
   
       29 . The apparatus described in claims  27  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 0.5 second.  
   
   
       30 . A method for detecting a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or for identifying a target radionuclide present in a sample volume, or both, comprising the steps of 
 a) juxtaposing the sample volume and a detecting means that detects radiation emanating from a radionuclide such that the detecting means detects radiation emanating from the sample volume;    b) detecting radiation emanating from a radionuclide in the sample volume, wherein the detecting means produces a sample signal characteristic of the radionuclide;    c) analyzing the sample signal produced in step b) to identify its characteristics;    d) determining whether identified characteristics of the sample signal are similar or identical to a signal characteristic of the target radionuclide;    whereby if the sample signal is determined to be so similar or identical the target radionuclide is detected, and whereby identifying the sample signal as being so similar or identical identifies a target radionuclide in the sample volume.    
   
   
       31 . The method described in  claim 30  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, an alpha particle, a beta particle or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       32 . The method described in  claim 30  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       33 . The method described in  claim 30  wherein the detecting means comprises a scintillation detector, a solid state gamma ray detector, a solid state x-ray detector, a neutron detector, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       34 . The method described in  claim 30  wherein a target radionuclide is chosen from a set comprising cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       35 . The method described in  claim 30  wherein the method detects and identifies a plurality of target radionuclides chosen from among cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium 99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       36 . The method described in  claim 30  that detects or identifies or both in an elapsed time from about 0.1 second to about 10 seconds.  
   
   
       37 . The method described in  claim 36  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 4 seconds.  
   
   
       38 . The method described in claims  36  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 0.5 second.  
   
   
       39 . A method for communicating the presence of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, the identity of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or both, comprising the steps of 
 a) juxtaposing the sample volume and a detecting means that detects radiation emanating from a radionuclide such that the detecting means detects radiation emanating from the sample volume; and    b) detecting radiation emanating from a radionuclide in a sample volume, wherein the detecting means produces a sample signal characteristic of the radionuclide;    c) analyzing the sample signal to identify its characteristics;    d) determining whether characteristics of the analyzed sample signal are similar or identical to a signal characteristic of a target radionuclide; and    e) communicating a determination that the characteristics of the sample signal are so similar or identical;    thereby communicating the presence of the target radionuclide in the sample volume, or the identity of the target radionuclide in the sample volume as having signal characteristics similar or identical to the sample signal.    
   
   
       40 . The method described in  claim 39  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, an alpha particle, a beta particle or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       41 . The method described in  claim 39  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       42 . The method described in  claim 39  wherein the detecting means comprises a scintillation detector, a solid state gamma ray detector, a solid state x-ray detector, a neutron detector, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       43 . The method described in  claim 39  wherein a target radionuclide is chosen from a set comprising cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       44 . The method described in  claim 39  wherein the method communicates the presence and identity of a plurality of target radionuclides chosen from among cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       45 . The method described in  claim 39  that detects or identifies or both in an elapsed time from about 0.1 second to about 10 seconds.  
   
   
       46 . The method described in  claim 45  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 4 seconds.  
   
   
       47 . The method described in claims  45  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 0.5 second.  
   
   
       48 . A method for warning of the presence and/or the identity of a threatening radionuclide in a sample volume, comprising the steps of 
 a) juxtaposing the sample volume and a detecting means for detecting radiation emanating from a radionuclide such that the detecting means detects radiation emanating from the sample volume, wherein the detecting means produces a sample signal characteristic of the radionuclide;    b) analyzing the sample signal to identify its characteristics;    c) comparing characteristics of the analyzed sample signal to a set of signals, wherein each member of the set is a signal that is characteristic of a threatening radionuclide;    d) determining that the characteristics of the analyzed sample signal are similar or identical to a signal characteristic of a threatening radionuclide; and    e) warning that the sample signal is determined to be so similar or identical; thereby warning of the presence of the threatening radionuclide in the sample volume, and/or warning of the identity of a threatening radionuclide present in the sample volume.    
   
   
       49 . The method described in  claim 48  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, an alpha particle, a beta particle or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       50 . The method described in  claim 48  wherein the radiation detected is a neutron, a gamma ray or an x-ray, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       51 . The method described in  claim 48  wherein the detecting means comprises a scintillation detector, a solid state gamma ray detector, a solid state x-ray detector, a neutron detector, or any combination thereof, or all of them.  
   
   
       52 . The method described in  claim 48  wherein a target radionuclide is chosen from a set comprising cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       53 . The method described in  claim 48  wherein the method provides a warning of the presence and identity of a plurality of target radionuclides chosen from among cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iridium-192, americium-241, manganese-54, iron-55, iodine-125, iodine-130, iodine-131, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, uranium-235, uranium-238, a transuranium radionuclide, a plutonium-beryllium source, a californium source, and a radioactive decay product of uranium.  
   
   
       54 . The method described in  claim 48  that detects or identifies or both in an elapsed time from about 0.1 second to about 10 seconds.  
   
   
       55 . The method described in  claim 54  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 4 seconds.  
   
   
       56 . The method described in claims  54  wherein the elapsed time is about 0.1 second to about 0.5 second.