DHS/DNDO SBIR HSHQDC-11-R-00087 1

OBJECTIVE: Develop and commercialize neutron detector with matured technology to replace existing 3He-based thermal or fast neutron detectors for portable (hand-held and backpack) radioisotope identification devices, and active interrogation systems.

DESCRIPTION: The Department of Homeland Security Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is developing new materials and technology for thermal and fast neutrons detection to replace He-3 devices. Helium-3 currently exists in limited quantities, and these quantities are not enough to meet the expanding needs of industry and government. This topic area is seeking to commercialize new high efficient thermal and/or fast neutron detectors. The performance of the thermal neutron detector must be better than or equal to He-3 detectors with reasonable size and weight. Fast neutron detectors must be able to detect fast neutrons directly (without moderation) with efficiency better than 10% in the energy range of 0.01 - 10 MeV. Gamma rejection must be better than lOS in either case. Additional capabilities such as measuring energy spectrum and directionality will also be evaluated. The large volume fabrication cost should be equal to or less than existing comparable detectors prior to the escalation in costs due to He-3 gas shortage. If additional capability is included at higher cost, then sufficient justification needs to be provided for an adequate costlbenefit comparison. This topic area will not cover any development of new neutron sensitive materials. The proposal must include adequate performance justification for the system.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technical approach with adequate combination of experimental data, calculations, results, simulations, as appropriate to provide a compelling argument for success. Provide information as to how this concept will be commercialized following a Phase II award.

PHASE II: Produce and test a proof-of-concept prototype to demonstrate the viability and capabilities of the neutron detector. Demonstrate a commercialization path. In addition to Phase II funding, there is an established cost-match program with the opportunity for an additional funding. This cost-match funding mechanism is available for performers that would secure commercialization funding from third parties. See section 4.6 of the solicitation announcement for more information.

PHASE III: Commercial Applications - In addition to homeland security applications (U.S. Customs, U.S. Coast Guard), these would be of benefit to the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a radiation sensor to support search operations that has a variable or flexible form factor than current systems. The device(s) should be more sensitive, lower-cost, more be specific than current COTS approaches.

DESCRIPTION: Certain scenarios involving the search or surveillance for nuclear or radiological materials of concern are best accomplished with a radiation monitoring device that can be flexibly employed depending the mission, environment, and performance required of the device. An example would be a linear radiation monitor that affords neutron and gamma detection in a linear array up to 80 feet in length. These types of devices support monitoring in hard to reach locations, and can be tailored for use in different applications in various operating environments. The device(s) to be developed should have the following features: nominal weight and volume, modular design, readily stored and transported, and be man portable. Ideally, the proposed device(s) will provide high sensitivity for both neutron and gamma radiation along its length and/or across a large effective area, provide an indication as to where detected radiation is strongest, provide gamma spectroscopic information to allow high confidence nuclide identification, and be sensitive to neutrons without dependence on helium-3. The line radiation monitor must achieve measures of suitability that include highly rugged for deployment in harsh environments, battery operation, and reasonable cost. Flexible verses rigid designs are preferred. Potential applications to consider for the device(s) include the following: search of hard to reach locations in vessels, vehicles or cargo, man-portable mobile search and monitoring operations, impromptu portal monitoring operations, and potentially many others.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technical approach with adequate combination of experimental data, calculations, results, simulations, as appropriate to provide a compelling argument for success. Provide information as to how this concept will be commercialized following a Phase II award.

PHASE II: Produce and test a proof-of-concept prototype to demonstrate the viability and capabilities of the neutron detector. Demonstrate a commercialization path. In addition to Phase II funding, there is an established cost-match program with the opportunity for an additional funding. This cost-match funding mechanism is available for performers that would secure commercialization funding from third parties. See section 4.6 of the solicitation announcement for more information.

PHASE III: Commercial Applications - In addition to homeland security applications (U.S. Customs, U.S. Coast Guard), these would be of benefit to the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

OBJECTIVE: Growth and characterization of single crystals of selected new scintillator materials which have been identified, through prior R&D program efforts, as being promising advanced materials with potential of high energy resolution, high efficiency, ease of growth of large size crystals, and low cost. Objective of this effort is to grow large enough crystals to enable characterization of energy resolution and efficiency for large sized crystals, and determine ease of growth for detector-sized crystals and mechanical and chemical ruggedness properties. Crystal compositions are limited to those described below.

DESCRIPTION: The Department of Homeland Security Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is involved in discovering, identif'ying, developing, characterizing, and fabricating new scintillator materials for a variety of application spaces. DNDO has had several programs for several years discovering and investigating new scintillator materials and these programs have now produced lists of new promising candidate materials for crystal growth. Once identified as a promising material, hurdles often remain to actually grow large enough sized crystals to I) characterize the detection performance via measurement of the absorption characteristics pertinent to gamma and/or neutron radiation, verification of the absorption and transmission characteristics of the scintillating light, measurement of the brightness, determination of the non-linearity, and 2) characterize the growth potential in order to provide the required absolute efficiency needed for actual radiation detectors. Each material has its own unique challenges to crystal growth. The materials or families of materials which are the subject of this topic area are limited to the following, where ":Eu" indicates Europium doping: Group I: Ba2Cs1s:Eu BaCsl):Eu Group 2: BaBrI:Eu BaBrCI:Eu BaClI:Eu The stochiometry of this latter group (Group 2) can be varied to obtain preferential crystal structure, optimize or minimize trap defects, and improve ease of growth. The Offeror should limit effort to only one or a few of the above candidates to be consistent with period of performance, and shouldjustif'y choice(s) in proposal. Dopant levels are to be optimized through both the Phase I and Phase II efforts. Proposal should describe approach in detail and justif'y why the chosen approach would be expected to succeed.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the growth of crystals of one or a few of the candidate materials. Demonstrate growth of high quality materials of at least 1 cm3 volume, and characterize the gamma and or neutron efficiency, as appropriate, the energy resolution as a function of energy, the brightness, the crystal structure and any defects present. High quality is defined as I)providing energy resolution below 5%, 2) no or few visible defects, such as cracking, chipping, or non-unifonnities. Also, characterize the transmission and any self-absorption of the scintillating light, mechanical strength and robustness, and hygroscopicity.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the growth of high quality crystals with fonn factor of 1 "x 1" right cylinders. In addition to Phase II funding, there is an established cost-match program with the opportunity for an additional funding. This cost-match funding mechanism is available for perfonners that would secure commercialization funding from third parties. See section 4.6 of the solicitation announcement for more infonnation.

PHASE III: Commercial Applications - In addition to homeland security applications (U.S. Customs, U.S. Coast Guard), these would be of benefit to the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.