New concept contamination monitor

[Stephen McGuire <SAM2@nrc.gov>]

     The USNRC has just published a report on a new-concept floor monitor to
detect radiation contamination.  The detector uses a position-sensitive proportional
counter to detect and locate the contamination.  The readout includes, in addition
to clicks, a real-time video image of the contamination that is displayed on a
"virtual reality" eyepiece so that the operator can "see" the contamination as he
looks at the floor.

     The monitor is highly sensitive and fast and permits the automatic recording of
the survey results.    The monitor has the potential to lower the cost and improve
the quality of radiation contamination monitoring. 
  
     The monitor was developed by Shonka Research Associates of Marietta,
Georgia.  Development was funded by the NRC through a Small Business
Innovative Research grant. 

     The report is NUREG/CR-6450, "Characterization of Contamination Through
the Use of Position Sensitive Detectors and Digital Image Processing," J. J.
Shonka et al.  Copies of the report and additional information are available to
interested parties from Dr. Joseph Shonka, 770-509-7606 or SRA@CRL.COM