Decentralized Data Fusion Algorithm for Multisensor Radiation Source Search

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) desires innovative technology solutions to link radiation detectors of various resolutions to accelerate and improve the efficacy of nuclear search operations. Global Technology Connection, Inc. (GTC), in collaboration with our Research Institute (RI) and industrial partners, proposes to develop a scalable, locally hosted data fusion algorithm to accurately localize and characterize a single radiation source in 1 km2 of a complex scene. This will be done by combining the raw output of disparate stationary and moving radiation detectors and processing the data into usable information. The defined approach utilizes a framework of algorithms that systematically detects and localizes sources using series of analytical and probabilistic methods. This process should be done measurably faster than the current tactics allow. In Phase I, we will demonstrate pathways for meeting the Phase II performance goals for multiple algorithms quantitatively and will select the most promising tools for further development in Phase II and beyond. Technology transition to DoD end-users and commercialization (Phase III) would be considered and will be perused aggressively throughout this program.