Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook Instagram Threads
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Subscribe
    • Featured News
    • Funding
    • Directory
    • Jobs
    • Events
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Biodetection

    DARPA SIGMA Award to Arktis Radiation Detectors

    By Global Biodefense StaffJuly 17, 2014
    Share
    Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has made an award to Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd. of Zurich, Switzerland in support of the SIGMA Program.

    SIGMA is a DARPA Defense Sciences Office (DSO) effort to back novel approaches to low cost, high efficiency, packaged radiation detectors for identifying hidden threats, ranging from special nuclear materials (SNM) to radiological sources.

    The SIGMA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) was released in December 2013 and this is the first award announced under the research and development funding mechanism.

    The Arktis award is valued at $199,830 for the base contract with a $1,048,238 option.

    While the award announcement does not provide specifics, the BAA generally sought concepts for advancing both personal (e.g., belt mounted, pocket-size, worn) and large area (~meter-scale) radiation detectors that will allow an order of magnitude reduction in cost per unit while significantly increasing detection capability compared to the current state-of-the art.

    MODES_SNM

    Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd. in May 2014 announced a new system called Modular Detection System for Special Nuclear Material (MODES_SNM) designed to better detect radiological threats by being more precise in distinguishing their radiation signature from natural backgrounds.

    MODES_SNM was developed via a consortium made up of Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd, the University of Padova (Italy), the National Centre for Nuclear Research in Poland, ETH Zurich (Switzerland), CAEN Spa (Italy), the University of Insubria (Italy), the Revenue Commissioners (Ireland), and the University of Liverpool (UK).

    MODES_SNM is the first of its kind to combine fast and thermal neutron detection. It has already undergone rigorous tests at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the Port of Rotterdam, and is now being tested by customs organizations.

    As part of the recent tests the system has been used to verify that parked containers do not contain threats such as uranium, plutonium, or radiological components for “dirty bombs”.

    A unique advantage of the MODES_SNM system – which is modular and mission configurable – is its ability to identify materials surrounding a potential threat object. This information is of high value, as it can allow operators to exclude the possibility of a detected plutonium source being a “ready-to-go” nuclear weapon.

    The MODES_SNM system is also noted to be more sustainable than many current systems, as it does not use 3He, the expensive raw material that is typically used in most neutron detection systems.

    Sources: FBO.gov, Arktis Radiation Detectors

    Awards CBRN Equipment DARPA Mobile Response SIGMA+ Program
    Share. Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleCDC Contract to Texas A&M for Aflatoxin Research
    Next Article Superbug Cases on the Rise in Southeastern United States

    Related Stories

    Inflammatix Completes Development for Acute Infection and Sepsis Test System

    November 15, 2023

    NanoViricides’ Phase 1 Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Highly Effective for Mpox and Smallpox

    November 14, 2023

    Novavax’s Prototype COVID-19 Vaccine Nuvaxovid Receives Full Approval in Singapore

    October 18, 2023

    Strengthening Clinical Research Response to Outbreaks and Pandemics

    October 11, 2023
    News Scan

    Biodefense Headlines – 30 November 2023

    News Scan November 30, 2023

    News highlights on health security threats and countermeasures curated by Global Biodefense This week’s selections include the largest ever outbreak of mpox in the DRC; launch of National Wastewater Surveillance Program dashboard; low uptake of COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines;…

    Upcoming Events

    Mar 12
    Hybrid Hybrid Event
    March 12, 2024 - March 17, 2024

    2024 Fungal Genetics Conference

    Mar 21
    March 21, 2024 - March 23, 2024

    ASPPH 2024 Annual Meeting

    View Calendar

    Subscribe to Global Biodefense

    Get the latest news on pathogens and preparedness

    News on pathogens and preparedness for public health emergencies

    © 2023 Stemar Media Group LLC
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Subscribe

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.