Wireless, low-cost, FPGA-based miniature gamma ray spectrometer

Abstract

A compact, low-cost, wireless gamma-ray spectrometer is a tool sought by a number of different organizations in the field of radiation detection. Such a device has applications in emergency response, battlefield assessment, and personal dosimetry. A prototype device fitting this description has been constructed in the Advanced Radiation Instrumentation Laboratory at Oregon State University. The prototype uses a CsI(Tl) scintillator coupled to a solid-state photomultiplier and a 40MHz, 12-bit, FPGA-based digital pulse processor to measure gamma radiation, and is able to be accessed wirelessly by mobile phone. The prototype device consumes roughly 420mW, weighs about 28g (not including battery), and measures 2.54×3.81cm2. The prototype device is able to achieve 5.9% FWHM energy resolution at 662keV.