Algorithm that can locally link radiation detectors (of different resolutions) to enhance identification/ localization capability

RT&L FOCUS AREA(S): Nuclear; Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Nuclear; Sensors OBJECTIVE: Development of network hosted algorithms to link multiple and varied battlefield RN detectors to enable the fusing and processing of raw detector outputs into usable information. DESCRIPTION: This topic seeks to develop radiation detection algorithms that would reside within a network and support the fusion of multiple and varied raw detector outputs and the processing of this data into useable information. Often, multiple detectors, and multiple detector variants are deployed to characterize a complex scene (i.e. stationary detectors, handheld radioisotope devices, vehicle-mounted detectors, and backpack detectors) within 1 square km. Currently, algorithms for identification and characterization reside on each individual detector and each detector provides its unique result. This topic aims to better utilize those data from multiple detector types and analyze data in a way as to enhance the overall mission's ability to identify and localize a radiation source in a complex scene. The intent is to change the level of analysis and potentially fuse data (gross gamma/neutron counts, gamma spectral data, and/or GPS data) to identify and characterize anomalies in radiological signatures quicker than current local algorithms on singular devices. PHASE I: Identification of multi-radiation detector algorithms and demonstrate their potential to improve the identification, characterization, and/or localization of a radioactive source in a complex scene as compared to the singular detector algorithm. Multiple candidate algorithms shall be down selected for further development in Phase II. Demonstrate pathways for meeting the Phase II performance goals through feasibility studies at the end of Phase I. PHASE II: Demonstrate enhanced identification, characterization and/or localization of radioactive sources with the multi-detector algorithm that fuses data (gamma and neutron radiation outputs, and GPS location/time) from disparate ground based and mobile detector types. Demonstrate improved performance of the multi-detector algorithm over single-system algorithms. The algorithm should support the integration of additional new detector types. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Field demonstration in radiation environment with users deploying multiple and varied radiation detectors linked via communications to a network node in which the algorithm receives detector outputs. The algorithm must conduct scene characterization in real-time as operators move through a complex environment with disparate detector modalities. The multi-system algorithm will be directly compared to legacy single-system algorithms to assess impact on mission. Develop commercialization and transition plan to DoD end users. REFERENCES: 1. Rao, N., Sen, S., Prins, N., Cooper, D., Ledoux, R., Costales, J., Kamieniecki, K., Korbly, S., Thompson, J., Batcheler, J., Brooks, R., Wu, C. NETWORK ALGORITHMS FOR DETECTION OF RADIATION SOURCES. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, Volume 784, 1 June 2015, Pages 326-331. Accessed from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168900215000686; 2. Joint Pub 3-11;