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Nuclear Security
Physicist Leticia Pibida uses a handheld radiation detector like those officers use at ports of entry to the U.S. to scan a radiological test source.
After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asked NIST to develop standards for radiation detectors that could be used to spot the movement of nuclear and radioactive materials. The main challenge is that the illicit cargo needs to be distinguished from natural background radiation, from commercial commodities (such as tiles, fertilizers, granite and sand), and from legal radioactive sources used in medical diagnostic procedures and cancer treatments.
NIST ensures that radiation detectors and sensors are working as intended and that their capabilities are understood by providing calibration and validation services, not only to help secure our national borders but also to protect our first responders and troops.
In supporting the DHS in its mission, NIST uses its measurement science expertise to strengthen radiation security efforts.
Learn more about instrument testing for radiation detection systems Read a Q&A with one of our scientists