IAEA Nuclear Security Detection & Monitoring Equipment Laboratory

High resolution identification devices

When standard radiation detectors yield inconclusive results or further analysis is needed, high-resolution spectrometers are used. These sophisticated, high-precision instruments provide detailed insights into the detected nuclear and other radioactive material. As the most advanced identification technology available, they are deployed in cases classified as more serious, requiring additional tests and activation of specialized response protocols.

Backpack radiation devices

Backpack radiation devices are specialized detectors designed for large-area searches. They are often used before event logistics are set up to establish a baseline of data and to identify any potential natural sources of radiation. This baseline information helps configure the equipment used on-site during a major public event. Highly portable, these devices can cover extensive areas while scanning for radiation, making them ideal for deployment in surrounding locations such as parking lots, train stations, and other transit hubs once an event is underway.

Personal radiation detectors

Compact and lightweight, the personal radiation detectors are designed to provide real time information on radiation levels. Typically worn on a belt, these devices automatically detect gamma and neutron radiation. Their small size, affordability, and ease of use, with minimal training required, make them an invaluable tool for enhancing security at major public events or at ports, airports or border crossings.

Radionuclide identification devices

These versatile devices play a critical role in verifying alarms and providing detailed information about the nature of detected nuclear and other radioactive material. They can be used to estimate dose rates, identify isotopes, and categorize radioactive sources. For instance, if the radiation alert is triggered by a person, these devices can identify the type of isotope being present.

Preparing for transport

Sensitive detection equipment is carefully prepared for transport to ensure it arrives intact for field operations. The different devices are packed in protective cases with cushioning to prevent damage from shocks or vibrations, and components are secured to avoid movement during transit.

Repairing equipment

Despite the best care, equipment can sometimes sustain damage during field operations. IAEA specialists perform minor repairs directly in the lab, such as carefully cleaning sensitive instruments, replacing batteries to prevent data loss, and regularly recalibrating detectors. Major repairs are handled by the manufacturer. This proactive approach ensures all devices remain fully operational and ready for deployment.

Training nuclear security officers

A mix of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises equip participants with technical know how about the basics of radiation and the use of radiation detection instruments, helping them to better understand, identify and respond to radiological threats. 

Procurement of equipment

Through collaborative assessments, the laboratory helps countries to identify their specific nuclear security needs. It then recommends equipment solutions that cater to their unique contexts, which enables them to improve their nuclear security capabilities. The lab also helps to facilitate the donation of equipment between countries when possible.

Database maintenance

The IAEA maintains a comprehensive inventory of specialized detection equipment in its laboratory in Vienna and a regional loaner pool in Malaysia. The equipment is available for loan to countries during major public events, such as international sports competitions and conferences, to enhance security measures and prevent potential nuclear security threats. Additionally, it can be loaned out in support of emergency situations, such as in response to a nuclear security incident or a natural disaster.

Testing equipment

To guarantee the reliability of specialized devices for responding to nuclear security events, all equipment undergoes thorough testing both before deployment and upon return to the laboratory. Maintenance includes regular checks using radiation sources to verify the accuracy of dose rate measurements as well as functionality of safety features and alarm notifications. This meticulous process ensures the devices remain fully operational and ready for critical tasks.

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IAEA Nuclear Security Detection & Monitoring Equipment Laboratory
Infopoints
Equipment
personal radiation detectors compact and lightweight, the personal radiation detectors are designed to provide real time information on radiation levels. typically worn on a belt, these devices automatically detect gamma and neutron radiation. their small size, affordability, and ease of use, with minimal training required, make them an invaluable tool for enhancing security at major public events or at ports, airports or border crossings. Personal radiation detectors radionuclide identification devices these versatile devices play a critical role in verifying alarms and providing detailed information about the nature of detected nuclear and other radioactive material. they can be used to estimate dose rates, identify isotopes, and categorize radioactive sources. for instance, if the radiation alert is triggered by a person, these devices can identify the type of isotope being present. Radionuclide identification devices backpack radiation devices backpack radiation devices are specialized detectors designed for large-area searches. they are often used before event logistics are set up to establish a baseline of data and to identify any potential natural sources of radiation. this baseline information helps configure the equipment used on-site during a major public event. highly portable, these devices can cover extensive areas while scanning for radiation, making them ideal for deployment in surrounding locations such as parking lots, train stations, and other transit hubs once an event is underway. Backpack radiation devices high resolution identification devices when standard radiation detectors yield inconclusive results or further analysis is needed, high-resolution spectrometers are used. these sophisticated, high-precision instruments provide detailed insights into the detected nuclear and other radioactive material. as the most advanced identification technology available, they are deployed in cases classified as more serious, requiring additional tests and activation of specialized response protocols. High resolution identification devices
Activities
database maintenance the iaea maintains a comprehensive inventory of specialized detection equipment in its laboratory in vienna and a regional loaner pool in malaysia. the equipment is available for loan to countries during major public events, such as international sports competitions and conferences, to enhance security measures and prevent potential nuclear security threats. additionally, it can be loaned out in support of emergency situations, such as in response to a nuclear security incident or a natural disaster. Database maintenance preparing for transport sensitive detection equipment is carefully prepared for transport to ensure it arrives intact for field operations. the different devices are packed in protective cases with cushioning to prevent damage from shocks or vibrations, and components are secured to avoid movement during transit. Preparing for transport procurement of equipment through collaborative assessments, the laboratory helps countries to identify their specific nuclear security needs. it then recommends equipment solutions that cater to their unique contexts, which enables them to improve their nuclear security capabilities. the lab also helps to facilitate the donation of equipment between countries when possible. Procurement of equipment repairing equipment despite the best care, equipment can sometimes sustain damage during field operations. iaea specialists perform minor repairs directly in the lab, such as carefully cleaning sensitive instruments, replacing batteries to prevent data loss, and regularly recalibrating detectors. major repairs are handled by the manufacturer. this proactive approach ensures all devices remain fully operational and ready for deployment. Repairing equipment testing equipment to guarantee the reliability of specialized devices for responding to nuclear security events, all equipment undergoes thorough testing both before deployment and upon return to the laboratory. maintenance includes regular checks using radiation sources to verify the accuracy of dose rate measurements as well as functionality of safety features and alarm notifications. this meticulous process ensures the devices remain fully operational and ready for critical tasks. Testing equipment training nuclear security officers a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises equip participants with technical know how about the basics of radiation and the use of radiation detection instruments, helping them to better understand, identify and respond to radiological threats.  Training nuclear security officers
Contact
International Atomic Energy Agency
www.iaea.org