Detection technologies in port

Radiation detection technologies have been in use for over 100 years. Their use as a homeland security tool, particularly in ports, is relatively new. detector technology has advanced from gas-filled tube detectors (like Geiger counters), to Scintillation Crystal detectors, and most recently solid-state semiconductor detectors. Despite these advances, port applications still face engineering challenges, due to geometry var iances and environmental factors.” Some of the technologies just don't lend themselves to the task in ports because they are small and therefore do not pick up enough of the energy. Other technologies cannot be adapted to the harsh port environment. Some sensors only identify the presence of radiation, while other sensing technologies, combined with sophisticated electronics and software algorithms, can also identify the isotopes.