The SAM 935 (surveillance and monitoring) is a portable radiation detection and identification device owned by BNC (Berkely Nucleonics Corp) made for the purpose of radiological area mapping, nuclear security, homeland security, and to aid emergency responders.[1] It recognises multiple isotopes in real time while ignoring background radiation with gamma spectroscopy and algorithms. The spectroscopy is performed at room temperature with NaI detectors and QCC (quadratic compression conversion). The SAM is able to capture transient phenomena, because it captures spectra in short time segments and produces a response from the spectra with each time segment. Conversely, if the SAM is in a moving vehicle, it is able to scan the area the vehicle drives through. The first-line responder can email the SAM 935 data report for further analysis. The SAM 935 is now considered obsolete and is no longer sold by BNC.[2]
An upgrade to the SAM 935, the SAM 940, uses a LaBr3 detector that has a higher resolution than a NaI detector; and can also be used with one hand. The LaBr clearly shows the gamma and x-ray peaks of plutonium. The highly penetrating NaI peak of Pu239 is clearly separated into three easily recognised peaks with LaBr. The first-line responder can email the SAM 940 data report (complete with GPS data and ANSI N42.42 compliant) for further analysis similarly to the SAM 935.
References
- ↑ "Handheld Radiation Isotope Identifier | Berkeley Nucleonics". www.berkeleynucleonics.com. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ↑ "Obsolete Products | Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation". www.berkeleynucleonics.com. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- Wiley Interscience "Delineation of radioactive contaminants using expedited field characterization equipment"
- http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0952-4746/27/3A/S04 "Development and use of radiation detection technology for buried seabed particles" which uses a remotely operated vehicle
- https://voa.marad.dot.gov/programs/ns_savannah/docs/Character_Survey_Report/NSS_Char_Rpt_App_P%20Pg%20724-735.pdf "Radiological Sampling and Gamma Scans Aboard the N/S SAVANNAH"
- http://www.health-physics.com/pt/re/healthphys/abstract.00004032-200302001-00012.htm;jsessionid=LvdYRmY23J6PnyQJSmMlJchQznhK1JMbghdpDm5zpsqCwgXL1XsZ!-1052912739!181195629!8091!-1"Worker and Environmental Protection Issues in the Remediation Of an Abandoned Source Manufacturing Facility."
- RKB SAM 935 Page -- https://www.rkb.us/contentdetail.cfm?content_id=102281
The SAM 935 and SAM 940 are a pair of instruments utilised to search, detect, identify, and quantify gamma radiation. These instruments are typically utilised in the field; however, some emergency response agencies incorporate these and other instruments into emergency response vehicles designed to monitor events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, and political conventions.
Typically, the users of the equipment are trained, educated, and highly specialised operatives from the city, state, or federal agencies. The equipment is monitored, evaluated, and calibrated monthly when necessary. It is common for agencies such as fire and police agencies to create job aids when training current employees or place the equipment under new ownership as department duties change.