Use of a drone-based gamma-ray spectrometry system to assess point or extended radioactive sources

Abstract

In recent times, the utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has emerged as a novel tool for a wide range of tasks associated with radiological protection in hazardous situations. This article presents the development of a rotary-wing drone-based system equipped with a LaBr3(Ce) detector, enabling highly accurate quantification of both point and extended radiation sources. The drone’s capability to precisely measure H*(10) and the activity levels of the involved radionuclides has been assessed through real-world testing in two scenarios. The results demonstrate uncertainties of less than 20%.