PNNL

Abstract

Autoradiography is an established technique for imaging and quantifying ionizing radiation particles emitted from samples, with applications spanning medical imaging, nuclear forensics, and safeguards. This study explores the potential of enhancing ionizing quantum radiation imaging systems by integrating event-based neuromorphic cameras in place of traditional CMOS cameras. Event cameras mimic the human eye’s efficient architecture, detecting asynchronous changes in pixel intensity and providing capabilities such as low latency, high dynamic range, and sparse data representation. Utilizing these unique properties, we successfully imaged both alpha and beta particles within a single measurement, demonstrating improved sensitivity and dynamic range. Furthermore, we extended the measurement capabilities to handle highly radioactive sources, achieving robust results even in the 500 µCi range. These advancements highlight the transformative potential of event-based imaging in radiation imaging and its broader implications for various critical fields, including scientific research, healthcare, and nuclear security.