Radiation detection DNDO progressing on Helium-3 alternative

Published 21 November 2011

DHS is one step closer in its quest to find an alternative to Helium-3, a key element used in radiation scanners that detect illegal nuclear or radiological materials; DHS’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) recently announced that it had completed its final analysis on Helium-3 alternatives

DHS is one step closer in its quest to find an alternative to Helium-3, a key element used in radiation scanners that detect illegal nuclear or radiological materials.

DHS’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) recently announced that it had completed its final analysis on Helium-3 alternatives. Warrant Stern, the director of DNDO, said the analysis found some “promising” alternative radiation detection technologies that could eventually eliminate the need for Helium-3 based detectors.

Since 9/11 the demand for radiation detectors designed to prevent terrorists from executing an attack using a “dirty bomb” has increased dramatically, placing a strain on limited Helium-3 supplies.

The naturally-occurring element is primarily obtained from decommissioned nuclear weapons and heavy water reactors, but with the drawing down of the U.S. nuclear stockpile supply has not kept pace with demand. Helium-3 supplies have been further strained by increasing demand from other applications like medical imaging and diagnostics, cryogenics research, and oil and gas exploration.

To head off the impending Helium-3 shortage, DNDO has actively been exploring efficient, cost-effective strategies to find alternative radiation detection technology. In addition, DNDO has been working with manufacturers to develop ways to decrease the use of Helium-3 in existing detectors as well as ways to recycle the element.

According to Stern, DNDO currently has about fifteen different technologies under development that could eventually replace Helium-3.