A series of recent publications (1-9) has provided experimental evidence that radiation fields can be detected well beyond the 10-100 meter limit that holds for conventional (direct) approaches to radiation detection. The techniques that are claimed to provide this capability rely upon the alteration of atmospheric electrostatic parameters, and measurement of these changes using remote electromagnetic interrogation. This paper examines the physics that underlies these proposed new approaches to radiation detection. If found to be viable for applications, the proposed techniques would be highly significant as they directly address a variety of problems in national security and environmental monitoring.
Revised: June 3, 2002 |
Published: April 1, 2002
Citation
Peurrung A.J. 2002.On the Long-Range Detection of Radioactivity Using Electromagnetic Radiation.Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment 481, no. 1-3:731-738.PNNL-SA-34120.