Rapiscan to develop advanced nuke detection tech for DHS

DHS’ Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) recently awarded Rapiscan Systems a contract worth as much as $7 million to develop new technologies to address the nation’s most pressing challenges in detecting nuclear materials.

Under the Exploratory Research Program contracts, Rapiscan Laboratories, the company’s research and development arm, will work with leading scientists and organizations from around the world to develop ground-breaking new technology.

In one of its projects, Rapiscan will partner with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to study the data fusion of multiple fission signatures for low exposure vehicle inspection. Meanwhile in another project, Rapiscan will work in conjunction with Arktis Radiation Detectors of Switzerland to develop second generation Auto-Z algorithms for detecting high-Z material.

“These contracts require the unique combination of experience in high-energy x-ray imaging, as well as nuclear, mechanical and electrical engineering that our team possesses,” said Ajay Mehra, the president of Rapiscan Systems in a statement.

“When successfully completed, these threat detection and verification technologies will provide additional inspection capabilities that better protect our nation from weapons of mass destruction being smuggled into the country. The innovative research at Rapiscan Laboratories continues to be at the forefront of combating some of this country’s most serious security threats,” Mehra added.