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Far field 3D localization of radioactive hot spots using a coded aperture camera
Sun Shifeng1, Zhang Zhiming2, Shuai Lei2
1Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
This study introduces a coded aperture technique for remote radioactivity estimation. The method accurately locates sources and quanties their activity using gamma-ray detection and aperture magnification analysis.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear instrumentation and methods
- Radiation detection and measurement
- Applied physics
Background:
- Accurate remote estimation of radioactive source parameters is crucial for safety and security.
- Traditional methods may require close proximity or complex setups.
- Developing non-invasive techniques for radioactivity assessment is an ongoing challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel coded aperture method for remote radioactivity estimation.
- To evaluate the accuracy of source localization and activity quantification.
- To assess the performance of the system with different source geometries (point and line).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a tungsten-copper alloy coded aperture mask (6mm thick) to modulate gamma-rays.
- Estimated source location in 3D by analyzing detected counts and aperture magnification.
- Calculated source activity based on detected counts and estimated location.
- Performed experiments with point and line sources at approximately 4 meters distance.
Main Results:
- Achieved source localization accuracy below 10% in all three dimensions at a 4m distance.
- Estimated activities showed deviations: 17.6% lower for point sources and 50.4% higher for line sources compared to actual values.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of remote estimation using the coded aperture technique.
Conclusions:
- The coded aperture method provides a viable approach for remote 3D source localization.
- Activity estimation requires further refinement, particularly for extended sources.
- The technique shows promise for applications in nuclear security and environmental monitoring.
