Radiation detector

Abstract

The invention provides a device for the detection and mapping of radiation, the device comprising a polymeric core () located within an external shell material (), wherein the polymeric core comprises a plurality of stacked polymeric sheets comprising at least one radiation sensitive component which is sensitive to said radiation emitted by said radioactive materials and the external sheath comprises a collimation sheath (). Preferably, the polymeric core comprises a cubic, cylindrical, spherical or truncated spherical shape which is encased within the external shell. The external shell is preferably comprised of a metal, most preferably tungsten. The invention also provides a method for the detection and mapping of radiation in a location, which comprises: (a) placing a device according to the invention in the location to be investigated; (b) allowing the device to remain in the location and be exposed to the radiation for a predetermined length of time; (c) removing the device from the location; (d) removing the polymeric core from the external shell; (e) analyzing said polymeric core by means of an optical analysis technique applying a software-based image reconstruction algorithm to image the polymeric core; and (f) determining the location, form and intensity of said radiation by further software-based analysis. The device and method of the invention facilitate the detection and mapping of radiation, and find particular use in mapping the location, intensity and identity of radiological hazards in 3 dimensions in sites such as active cells, gloveboxes, other active plants and confined spaces. Advantages over the prior art include significantly improved radiation sensitivity, the lack of requirement for an electrical supply, and the ability to deal with high radiation backgrounds and to be deployed in confined or restricted spaces.