Using tech to stop terrorists dirty bombs.
DARPA’s SIGMA program undergoes real-world testing with state, federal and international partners to defend against radiological threats.
A DARPA program aimed at preventing attacks involving radiological “dirty bombs” and other nuclear threats has successfully developed and demonstrated a network of smartphone-sized mobile devices that can detect the tiniest traces of radioactive materials. Combined with larger detectors along major roadways, bridges, other fixed infrastructure, and in vehicles, the new networked devices promise significantly enhanced awareness of radiation sources and greater advance warning of possible threats.
The demonstration of efficacy earlier this year was part of DARPA’s SIGMA program, launched in 2014 with the goal of creating a cost-effective, continuous radiation-monitoring network able to cover a large city or region. Although radiation detectors have in recent years been installed in a number of key locations in the United States and around the world, the SIGMA program has sought to increase capabilities while lowering their costs, in order to network an unprecedented number of advanced detectors and provide a comprehensive, dynamic, and automated overview of the radiological environment.
AristaTek Inc. released a technical brief in response to the theft of a truck transporting Cobalt 60 from a medical facility in Mexico in late 2013. The request is free and available by requesting it here — http://aristatek.com/TechBriefRequest.aspx?ID=9