In cooperation with the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), the University of Jyväskylä has created an innovative type of portable multi-purpose radiation detector that can detect all forms of ionizing radiation, according to a study published in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment.
A new type of handheld multi-purpose radiation detector that detects almost all types of ionizing radiation. Image Credit: University of Jyväskylä
The gadget can be used by industrial and medical radiation users, regulatory agencies, the nuclear energy industry, first responders, and military personnel. The technology has been patented and is currently being considered for commercialization.
The designed multi-purpose radiation detector is similar to a Swiss Army knife, which contains a wide range of instruments for various applications in a tiny container.
The detector has versatile measurement capabilities. It enables the generation of comprehensive situational awareness in an unknown situation very quickly, which improves security. The small size and the possibility of various radiation measurements make work in the field easier, especially when it is not necessary to carry several different detectors.
Kari Peräjärvi, Principal Advisor and Professor, Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Radiation Safety Research, University of Jyväskylä
The Detector Measures All Types of Ionizing Radiation
Higher energy radiation with sufficient energy to either directly or indirectly separate an electron from an atom is known as ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation comes in four forms: beta radiation, which is made up of electrons or positrons, electromagnetic X-rays and gamma-rays, neutron radiation, and alpha radiation, which is made up of helium nuclei. All of these radiation types are detected by the new detector.
The alpha and beta radiation determination capability allows the measurement of radioactive contamination on a variety of surfaces. It can be used to detect leaking radiation sources or liquid radioactive substances splashed on surfaces. For example, it is possible to check wipe samples under field conditions.
Ville Bogdanoff, Doctoral Researcher, University of Jyväskylä
In the case of highly penetrating gamma rays, the device can identify and sense the direction of the material that emits the gamma rays. This capability is entirely new for detectors of this size. Directional sensitivity is especially helpful for spotting attempts to smuggle radioactive sources, during authority inspections, and in unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, the detector is capable of both direct and indirect detection of uncharged neutrons.
“The possibility to measure neutron radiation is needed to detect nuclear material containing plutonium. It will also allow a more precise characterization of neutron sources,” added Bogdanoff.
Five Detectors in a Single Small and Light Package
The multifunctional detector uses integrated digital electronics and multilayered Phoswich technology. Phoswich technology uses optical means to mix a variety of scintillation materials. The scintillation layers each function as separate radiation detectors.
“The detector consists of five different types and thicknesses of scintillation layers in a precisely defined order. This means that the multipurpose detector has five radiation detectors in one package,” added Bogdanoff.
Phoswich technology also allows for the use of simpler electronics, making the detector very compact.
“The prototype version of the detector weighs less than two kilograms. It could even be further lightened and reduced in size by, for example, changing to a silicon photomultiplier,” stated Peräjärvi.
New Technology to be Patented and Commercialized
The Phoswich technology also enables various scalable and modular solutions for various applications. In the future, Phoswich technology will be used for different types of radiation detectors, such as backpack-type multipurpose, permanent or movable radiation portal monitoring systems, and manned or unmanned aerial or ground vehicles.
“The University of Jyväskylä and the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority have already applied for a patent for this technology. The next step is to find business partners to commercialize the technology. Our wider aim is to develop a more versatile family of radiation detection instruments. Research and development will continue,” said Peräjärvi.
The study will also benefit the new Master of Science in Technology program in Safety and Risk Management.
Journal Reference:
Bogdanoff, P, V., and Peräjärvi, A, K., (2025) Handheld multipurpose radionuclide identification device employing multilayered phoswich technology. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment. doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2025.170437