PGT ships first commercially available gamma – neutron scintillator Area Monitor radiation detection solution

Princeton Gamma-Tech Instruments, Inc., a leading developer a leading developer of X-ray and Gamma-ray Detectors and Spectroscopy systems, serving a broad customer base in scientific research, industrial materials analysis, homeland security, has developed and  supplied the first commercially available dual scintillator radiation monitoring package capable of detecting both gamma and neutron radiation energy

Until recently customers have relied on Helium-3 (He-3) for the detection of neutron radiation, but due to skyrocketing cost and purchasing restrictions an industry wide search and development for viable alternatives are sought. PGT has developed and delivered the first commercially available detector package consisting of sodium iodide (NaI) for gamma detection and Lithium (Li-6) for neutron monitoring. Neutron is an effective method of detecting fissionable nuclear materials, which is a major concern for Homeland Security and Nuclear Proliferation. The first delivery of this dual gamma-neutron detector was supplied within networked radiation detection portals, which are used in hospitals and for security surveillance. The sole production of He-3 is from the refurbishment and dismantlement of the nuclear stockpile as a byproduct from the radioactive decay. This He-3 has been made available to commercial entities through an auction conducted by the Isotopes Program. Currently, the need for He-3 in the United States is outpacing production. The increased demand is due to the expanded use of He-3 in neutron detectors for national security, nonproliferation, defense, border security, and homeland security applications. Projected demand for He-3 is about 65,000 liters per year through 2013 but the He-3 production in the United States is estimated to be only a small fraction of that per year and beyond. The result is that U.S. production alone cannot meet anticipated worldwide demand. “This new lithium detector configuration now provides a viable, cost effective alternative for our government customers requiring Neutron detection from an outmoded technology” states Alex Palm, Vice President of Marketing.