SAM 940 Isotope Identifier Training in Indonesia

Recently Berkeley Nucleonics' representative from NATS, Ed Maswood, conducted an onsite training in Indonesia as a part of BNC's continuing global effort to assist in the monitoring and identification of nuclear isotopes.

For more information on BNC's online and onsite training please visit our website at www.berkeleynucleconics.com , call us at 415-453-9955 or email us directly info (at) berkeleynucleonics.com

A New Activity, Safecasting

A community has formed around the globe of individuals who are using Berkeley Nucleonics and other Radiation Detection devices (SAM Isotope Identifier Shown) for streaming data on background radiological levels to a google map online. The updates are sent with various GPS apps from the Android Market and from the Iphone Market. Data is typically in Rem or Sieverts.

Robots Investigate Fukushima Facilities

Fukushima uses advanced Robots to climb stairs and investigate facilities. Berkeley Nucleonics has deployed hundreds of radiation detection systems for isotope identification in Asian regions. Our most common units generate radiological data coupled with GPS data and the results are available online at www.berkeleynucleonics.com

http://youtu.be/ggr315PprFM

Berkeley Nucleonics - SAM 940 Isotope Identifier

Double-fisted....the technicians at Berkeley Nucleonics are testing RIIDs (radionuclide isotope identification devices) to meet a surge in demand following Fukushima. Model SAM 940 Revealer shown above with Lanthanum Bromide.

BNC Training in Japan

Berkeley Nucleonics sent a team of trainers to Japan to work with local agencies and end users in addressing some of the nuclear concerns. Berkeley manufactures the fastest room-temperature isotope identifier available, routinely identifying sources in a couple seconds with accurate results.

Japan Atomic Crisis Reaches Chernobyl Level

Japan raised the severity rating of its nuclear crisis to the highest, matching the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, after increasing radiation prompted the government to widen the evacuation zone and aftershocks rocked the country.

Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency yesterday raised the rating to 7. The accident at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant previously was rated a 5 on the global scale, the same as the 1979 partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania.

Read more by clicking the link.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-04-12/japan-atomic-crisis-reaches-chernobyl-level-as-radiation-climbs.html

BNC Shipping Units to Japan

Company founder Mel Brown watches as Radiation Isotope Identifiers are loaded on truck for Tokyo.

David Brown - BNC.....Since 1963

Eagle-A Operating System Upgrade provides critical information for Food and Water Monitoring in Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan.

Berkeley Nucleonics is offering an upgrade to the SAM 940 Isotope Identifier for radionuclide identification of Cs-134, Cs-137 and I-131 to address a growing concern for screening meat, fish, eggs, milk, and water.

Eagle Operating System (EOS) includes specific features to identify radioactive contamination resulting from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant leak of radiation into the local environments. The upgrade allows an additional mode for less technical users to screen specific concerns without compromising analytical spectroscopy stored in the instrument memory. Furthermore, the firmware allows compliance with federal guidelines for contamination monitoring already in place.

Photo courtesy of www.globaldirt.org


The SAM Defender and SAM Revealer are the latest in a growing line of isotope identification technologies offered by Berkeley Nucleonics. Our Firmware update, Eagle–A, increases operational capabilities for current market conditions. The new category F/W, represents food and water and shows the presence of radiation in light blue peaks. Shown here is our SAM 940 Revealer with 3.5% resolution LaBr detectors. GPS data is also available and many users are posting live data online for general public considerations.

“The SAM 940 is a world-class isotope identifier. Our service and training programs are also coveted by a community of users with a variety of applications. Eagle-A is a reminder that Berkeley Nucleonics supports the changing needs of radiation measurements faster than anyone in the market, be it new medical isotopes, industrial isotopes or in this case, additional food and water screening”, comments David Brown, BNC President.

About the Company

BNC’s radiation detection products are popular for detection, dosimetry and isotope identification and in use by HazMat teams, firefighters, first responders, and border protection personnel. Analytical products offer real time medical, industrial, SNM and NORM nuclear isotope identification. From pager to portal, the company offers a program of radiation detection with a comprehensive approach to detection and disposition. Our cooperative efforts with numerous State and Federal agencies give BNC customers the confidence they need when developing radiation detection activities.

BNC offers an accredited training program which provides attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques involved in radiation detection and isotope identification. This program also provides CEUs and can educate new and experienced users. Regional courses or on-site courses are available. Since 1963, BNC has been a pioneer in nuclear instrumentation.

Additional Information on EAGLE-A thresholds for Food and Water monitoring:
MDA for Radiation Detectors / Federal Guidelines



Eagle OS Features
-Data on Demand
-Export Capabilities
-ID Confidence Boost
-Enrichment Level
Discrimination (Uranium only)
-Color Coded ID
-Hands Free Calibration
-Library Enhancement
-GPS Gecko Compatibility

Eagle OS Applications
-GPS Mapping of Radiological Movement
-City Based Radiation Tracking
-PC-Link with SAM-Control software
-Doserate Data Dumps every Five Seconds
-Transportation Vehicle Live Monitoring
-DOE and DNDO Reachback File Types
-Confirm Medical Treatments using Reachback

Specifications
Communication Serial, Ethernet, Custom
File Types ANSI N42.42, User Defined
Spectrum Resolution Down to 3% at Cesium (662 keV)
Operating Temperatures -20 to +50 degree C
Power Options Vehicle, AC, Battery
Telemetry Cellular, WiFi, Radio

Berkeley Nucleonics Radiation Detection Products Used In Japan

In response to the Japanese nuclear power plant disaster, Berkeley Nucleonics has delivered 100's of radiation detectors to US and Japanese nationals who are working in and around the contaminated facility. We have donated numerous shipments and continue to provide around-the-clock support for end users and regional service and training centers. For a list of agents in Asia, please see our International Pull-Down Menu. The SAM Isotope Identifier has been updated with Eagle-A, a new firmware to quickly identify low levels of Cs-134, Cs-137 and I-131.

Click http://www.globaldirt.org/map/ to see the actual readings from our SAM 940 Isotope Identifier. This data was taken by a Global DIRT assessment team within 2km (1.2 miles) of the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant. Data was collected using a Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation SAM 940 Defender / Revealer. The map below represents only readings which contained isotope levels (about 451 of the 1654 current readings). Be sure to check back as this page will be constantly updated.

About Berkeley Nucleonics

BNC’s radiation detection products are popular for detection, dosimetry and isotope identification and in use by HazMat teams, firefighters, first responders, and border protection personnel. Analytical products offer real time medical, industrial, SNM and NORM nuclear isotope identification. From pager to portal, we understand detection and spectroscopy applications. BNC offers an accredited training program which provides attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques involved in radiation detection and isotope identification. This program also provides CEUs and can educate new and experienced users. Regional courses or on-site, our trainers can deliver. Give us a call or try our Live Online Help…800-234-7858

Trace Radiation Levels from Japan detected by U.S. EPA RadNet System—

Albuquerque, New Mexico. April 1, 2011. During the past three years, EDi has maintained the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) RadNet system, which consists of more than 100 radiation-monitoring stations throughout the United States. Lately, these monitoring stations track and record the released radiation from the Fukushima Daichii Nuclear Power Plant severely damaged during the earthquake and tsunami that recently devastated Japan on March 11, 2011.
The RadNet Program, initially established to monitor radiation associated with nuclear weapons testing, was later expanded to include radiation levels during emergencies. For more than 30 years, RadNet has developed an important environmental radiation database used by the EPA and other federal agencies.
The RadNet mission is to monitor environmental radioactivity in the United States providing high quality data for assessing public exposure and environmental impacts resulting from nuclear emergencies and to provide baseline data during routine conditions. RadNet has three (3) specific objectives:

1. Provide data for nuclear emergency response assessments;
2. Provide data on ambient levels of radiation in the environment for baseline and trend analysis; and
3. Inform the general public and public officials.
EDi performs a variety of calibration, repair, and technical support services for the monitoring devices—both on site and at our San Antonio, TX service facility. Services include maintenance of the central processing unit (CPU), all telemetry and weather-monitoring subsystems, and sensors.

About EDi

Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, EDi is a Small Business Administration (SBA) certified woman- and minority-owned small disadvantaged business entity with a strong reputation for providing quality technical environmental services. Recognized as an industry leader, EDi specializes in the detection, identification, characterization, and decontamination of hazardous and radioactive environments. Founded in 1990, EDi began by providing radiological and industrial hygiene support services to Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories and has since expanded its capabilities and market areas. Today, EDi has offices in New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.

For more information about EPA’s RadNet program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/

For more information about EDi and the Radcon Services we provide, visit: http://www.edi-nm.com

An Overview of X-Ray Spectroscopy

The purpose of this book is to discuss X-ray microanalysis and computer-aided imaging at a level that promotes an understanding beyond merely “how-to” texts, but without overwhelming the reader with volume or complexity. No attempt is made to replace a full textbook for either technique. Rather, this volume is meant to be an introduction for newcomers to the fields and a reference for experienced microscopists to be reviewed as needed. More in-depth texts and articles, which include derivations of the mathematical relationships, are given as references for those who desire such information. Several tables and diagrams of relevant information are provided for quick reference.

http://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/resources/MicroscopyBook.pdf

Singapore Government Suspends Import of Food from Japan

AVA SUSPENDS IMPORT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM KANTO REGION IN JAPAN
Detection of radioactive contaminants in another two samples of vegetables from Japan
Radioactive contaminants have been detected in another two samples of vegetables from Japan. The contaminated samples were imported from the prefectures of Kanagawa and Tokyo. In addition, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare had reported the detection of high radioactivity levels in some vegetables from Saitama.
2. In view of the latest developments, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) will extend its suspension on the import of fruits and vegetables to include the prefectures of Kanagawa, Tokyo and Saitama. This means the entire Kanto Region of Japan is now suspended from exporting fruits and vegetables to Singapore as AVA had earlier suspended the Kanto prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Chiba.
Status of suspension of Japan food imports
3. The status of our suspension of food imports from Japan as at 26 Mar 2011 is as follows:
Source
Item
Fukushima, Ibaraki*, Tochigi* and Gunma*
Milk, milk products, seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables
Ehime, Chiba*, Kanagawa*, Tokyo* and Saitama*
Fruits and vegetables
* Prefectures in the Kanto Region
Food imports from Japan subjected to “hold-and-test”
4. Since 25 Mar 2011, all consignments of fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, milk and milk products imported from Japan have been subjected to hold-and-test. This means that the products will only be released for sale when test results show that there is no radioactive contamination. If radioactive contaminants are detected in any sample, the affected shipment will be disposed.
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore 5 Maxwell Road #04-00 Tower Block MND Complex Singapore 069110 Fax: (65) 62235383

Updates on test results
5. To date, 287 samples of fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, milk and milk products have been tested. The latest results of samples collected from shipments imported on 25 and 26 Mar 2011 showed that radioactive contaminants were found in the following two samples of vegetables :
Item (Source)
Detection levels
Iodine-131
Cesium-134
Cesium-137
Cabbage (Kanagawa)
936bq/kg
242bq/kg
474bq/kg
Leek (Tokyo)
226bq/kg
-
-
* Becquerel (bq) is a measurement of radioactivity levels. The Codex guidelines for radionuclides in food (other than infant food) for Iodine 131 is 100 bq/kg, Cesium 134 is 1000 bq/kg and Cesium 137 is 1000 bq/kg.
** Test results are provided by the Health Sciences Authority’s Applied Sciences Group
No cause for alarm for consumers
6. Food imported from Japan that is available in the market is safe for consumption. There is no cause for concern for consumers as the affected consignments have not been released for sale under our “hold-and-test” surveillance programme.
7. AVA will continue to closely monitor and test food imports from Japan.
8. The public could visit the Japan Earthquake microsite at www.gov.sg (www.gov.sg/japanquake) for latest updates and information from the authorities. They could also visit AVA site at www.ava.gov.sg.
Issued by Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
On 26 Mar 2011

ANNEX A
Source : http://mapsof.net/japan/static-maps/png/regions-and-prefectures-of-japan

Semiconductor applications for Berkeley Nucleonics Pulse and Digital Delay Generators

Semiconductor applications for Berkeley Nucleonics Pulse and Digital Delay Generators were discussed at the Shanghai Photonics conference last week. Teltec Semiconductor, Berkeley's local agent, gave product demonstrations to numerous R&D engineers developoing the next generation of wafer technology for a re-emerging semiconductor industry. New mobile applications and in-vehicle wi-fi systems lead the way as manufacturers find ways to adjust to new market needs.

The Berkeley Nucleonics Digital Delay Generators offer 8 channels of delay and width with resolution down to 1 picosecond. The BNC line also offers the worlds lowest trigger jitter which is measured under 10 picoseconds. The company offers a range of products from it's factory in California and through domestic and international service centers. The applications team at Berkeley Nucleonics is available by phone during the day or around the clock on the website by clicking LIVE HELP. For more, go to www.berkeleynucleonics.com

About Berkeley Nucleonics

Berkeley Nucleonics was founded in 1963 as a spin-off of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in Berkeley, California. The company manufactures lines of instrumentation for medical, nuclear, physics and chemistry fields. Customers are serviced by a network of approximately 50 international and domestic agents and service centers. The company is routinely cited for contributions to the advanced research of US federal agencies and various large academic institutions. New products for 2011 include a 16 Channel Pulse and Delay Generator, an Arbitrary Waveform Generator, a 40pS Universal Counter / Time Interval Counter and a growing line of 100MHz – 500MHz Oscilloscopes.

Berkeley Nucleonics Radiation Detection Devices Get First Readings From Japan

Our colleagues in Japan are on the ground measuring Gamma Radation using the like of Berkeley Nucleonics PRDs and Isotope Identifiers. We are please to report that the background levels are still normal as of March 23, 2011 8:00AM PST. The detectors use a combination of GM-Tubes, CsI scintillators, Sodium Iodide and Lanthanum Bromide. Each material is useful for different applications and when combined, provide a family of equipment that gives comprehensive results.

Berkeley Nucleonics customers are headed out this weekend equipped with GPS-enabled SAM isotope identifiers and will begin posting GPS data with corrolated radiological data as early as Tuesday, March 29. "We are excited to participate in the work of organizations like www.globaldirt.org and think their efforts compliment the work of the Japanese and US governmental agencies. Our isotope-specific data logging is ideally suited for mapping large areas quickly. Customers use carts or small vehicles while scanning with full identification on board." comments David Brown, Company President.

For a video on the GPS SAM system for land monitoring - click here http://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/Media/RadCart.wmv (Rad Video Download)

For examples of a land based mapping systems - see the attached images

Press Contact:
Bernadette Jamieson, 800-234-7858 x210, bernadette.jamieson (at) berkeleynucleonics (dot) com

Technical Contact :
Robert Corsetti, 800-234-7858 x250, robert.corsetti (at) berkeleynucleonics (dot) com

About The Company :

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation (BNC) has a 45 year history providing precision electronic instrumentation for test, measurement and nuclear research. Our products include signal / pulse generators and digital delay generators (DDG), multimeters and frequency counters, radiation detectors (RIID) and life sciences instrumentation. Flagship instruments include a 250pS 8-Channel Digital Delay Generator, a NIM Precision Pulse Generator and ANSI compliant handheld isotope identifers (RIID) and radiation pagers (PRD). We offer users around-the-clock support on our products and can customize a suite of instruments to meet the most demanding applications.

BNC’s radiation detection products are popular for detection, dosimetry and isotope identification and in use by HazMat teams, firefighters, first responders, and border protection personnel. Analytical products offer real time medical, industrial, SNM and NORM nuclear isotope identification. From pager to portal, we understand detection and spectroscopy applications. BNC offers an accredited training program which provides attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques involved in radiation detection and isotope identification. This program also provides CEUs and can educate new and experienced users. Regional courses or on-site, our trainers can deliver. Give us a call or try our Live Online Help...800-234-7858

Berkeley Nucleonics Featured in New York Times Article

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/business/22geiger.html?_r=2

Article Excerpt :

Many people buying the devices say they are worried about their food becoming contaminated. One customer, Mr. Flanegin said, was a theme park in Japan that wanted to check its food supplies as a precaution for its visitors.

Radiation detectors come as hand-held devices, wrist watches and pager-size gadgets that hang from the belt. Their cost varies from $150 for a self-assembled kit to $4,000 for a more sophisticated version that stores radiation readings along with the GPS coordinates of where those readings were taken.

Technically, Geiger counters are just one type of radiation detector. But many people use the term to describe all radiation detection equipment.

Law enforcement, fire departments, military, hospitals, scientific laboratories, schools and prospectors are the typical customers. Federal government agencies seem to be well enough stocked that they are not scrambling to buy more, according to the sellers interviewed.

Usually, the general public, other than a small group of hobbyists, has little interest in radiation.

But that changed after a devastating earthquake and tsunami set off Japan’s nuclear troubles. Demand for radiation detectors, along with potassium iodide pills, which can help prevent radiation-induced thyroid cancer, quickly outstripped supplies and the limited capacity to produce more.

Skepticism that the government will be forthcoming about radiation levels is driving some of the sales, said John Iovine, president of Images SI, a company in Staten Island that makes and sells Geiger counters and other scientific instruments.

“I never really felt it until people started calling up,” he said. “They want their own Geiger counter to check up.” Radiation levels in the United States remain within the normal range, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which has a network of monitors across the country. Updates are available on the E.P.A.’s Web site.

During a typical week, Mr. Iovine says, he may get an order for 20 Geiger counters from a local government followed by several weeks without any additional sales. But in the week after the Japan earthquake, he said he received close to 200 orders and was now sold out. Customers are now warned that it will take six to eight weeks to fill any orders.

Still, buying a radiation detector is just the first step, Mr. Iovine said. Owners of the devices need to discern between dangerous radiation levels and a normal background reading.

“To use it is very simple,” Mr. Iovine said. “To interpret the results gets a little more difficult.”

Naturally occurring radiation varies depending on factors like local geology and altitude. People are exposed to additional radiation when they get an X-ray or fly in an airplane.

Robert Corsetti, director of sales and marketing for Berkeley Nucleonics, which makes and sells industrial-grade radiation detection equipment, said that calls to his company, which is based in San Rafael, Calif., increased up to 15 times the normal level after the problems started in Japan. In some cases, people are simply calling to ask if they are at risk, and not to buy something.

“We send out PowerPoints that dispel rumors,” Mr. Corsetti said. “I send the e-mail 20 times a day.” In one case, he said, an airline pilot who regularly flies to Tokyo wanted a detector to determine if he was being exposed to more radiation than usual. NBC News crew members in Japan are using radiation detectors from Berkeley Nucleonics that they can wear on their belts, much like beepers. The devices sound an alarm when they detect excessive radiation and when the dose exceeds a specified level over time.

In addition to the detectors, NBC News personnel are equipped with protective masks and suits, along with access to potassium iodide pills.

Shipment of Radiation Detectors to Mizuno Pharmacy, Tokyo Japan.

Shipment of Radiation Detectors to Mizuno Pharmacy, Tokyo Japan.

Berkeley Nucleonics shipped PRD units to Mizuno Pharmacy in Tokyo today in an effort to advise patients and clinical staff about fallout concerns after a reactor incident at Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. The PRD from Berkeley Nucleonics measures dose rates, counts per second and accumulated dose, making it useful for a wide range of applications.

“The service I received from Berkeley Nucleonics has been exception in these trying times,” commented Barbara Chang in a telephone discussion.

Radiopharmaceutical companies are one of many industries with routine exposure to medical and industrial nuclear radiation. Radio Isotopes are used in a wide range of industries and occur in many natural forms as well. Such benign articles as ceramics or kitty litter carry small levels or radiation. Patients who receive medical treatments, often with Iodine-131, are also subject to radiation concerns. The PRDs and a broader family of detector systems provide instant results and characterization of the ionizing radiation. Previous TLD systems absorbed dose over long periods of time but required special readers or 3rd party service providers to inform the holder of actual exposures. The company has ramped up production and is planning additional shipments of PRDs and Isotope Identifiers to Japan I the coming weeks.

Press Contact:
Bernadette Jamieson, 800-234-7858 x210, bernadette.jamieson (at) berkeleynucleonics (dot) com

Technical Contact :
Robert Corsetti, 800-234-7858 x250, robert.corsetti (at) berkeleynucleonics (dot) com

About The Company :

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation (BNC) has a 45 year history providing precision electronic instrumentation for test, measurement and nuclear research. Our products include signal / pulse generators and digital delay generators (DDG), multimeters and frequency counters, radiation detectors (RIID) and life sciences instrumentation. Flagship instruments include a 250pS 8-Channel Digital Delay Generator, a NIM Precision Pulse Generator and ANSI compliant handheld isotope identifers (RIID) and radiation pagers (PRD). We offer users around-the-clock support on our products and can customize a suite of instruments to meet the most demanding applications.

BNC’s radiation detection products are popular for detection, dosimetry and isotope identification and in use by HazMat teams, firefighters, first responders, and border protection personnel. Analytical products offer real time medical, industrial, SNM and NORM nuclear isotope identification. From pager to portal, we understand detection and spectroscopy applications. BNC offers an accredited training program which provides attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques involved in radiation detection and isotope identification. This program also provides CEUs and can educate new and experienced users. Regional courses or on-site, our trainers can deliver. Give us a call or try our Live Online Help...800-234-7858

BNC's Radiation Detection Gear Shown on CNN

Here is a link to the video

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-576597

Nuclear Isotope Identifier for Gamma and Neutron improves GPS resolution

Nuclear Isotope Identifier for Gamma and Neutron improves GPS resolution

Earlier this month at the Waste Management 2011 conference in Phoenix, AZ, Berkeley Nucleonics introduced a new, faster operating system that allows real-time characterization of large plots of land for nuclear remediation with sub-meter GPS resolution. The handheld and mobile systems allows fast generation of radiological maps giving users a clear indication of radiation levels and isotope specific count rates. Other applications include establishing perimeters, nuclear geomapping, radiometric surveys, potassium/thorium exploration and cleanup of contamination land areas.

If you would like a copy of the February 2011 USDOE White Paper, please reply.

To watch a short video on Nuclear Isotope Identification - click here: http://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/Media/RadCart.wmv


More about the SAM 940:
The Model SAM 940 Isotope Identifier (RIID) is widely respected as the fastest Isotope Identifier in the industry. The latest features enhance the “Easy-Mode” for front line use. The Dual-Tachometer indicates Gamma and Neutron levels in Counts Per Second, will concurrently recording isotope specific dose rates for a broad isotope library. In addition to typical ANSI and Medical Isotopes, the SAM 940 identifies less common but equally concerning isotopes like Europium and Neptunium. Although these sources are not in the ANSI approved list, field exercises have shown the need for including our broader library of 120 Isotopes. The new release results in an easy-to-use device for fast, accurate identification of radioactive materials.

Regarding current issues in Japan regarding nuclear power plant problems, the company spokesman commented…“The SAM systems are well suited for front line assessment of nuclear issues. The data stored is easy to interpret on-site, but analytical processes store up to 10,000 event details (spectra, alarm information and qualititative details) in the SAM’s memory…all the elements needed by a Health Physicist or Spectroscopist to address follow up concerns. We recognize the difficult problems in Japan and have already donated instrumentation to Japanese agencies such as the Japanese Food Bank for screening of food products. We have also increased our capacity to address growing demands. Our agent in Japan, Seiko EG&G, has been a distributor and sales agent of Berkeley Nucleonics for over 30 years. They are well qualified to address end users with training and service.”

Press Contact:
Bernadette Jamieson, 800-234-7858 x210, bernadette.jamieson@berkeleynucleonics.com

Technical Contact :
Robert Corsetti, 800-234-7858 x250, robert.corsetti@berkeleynucleonics.com

About The Company :
Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation is a leading manufacturer of precision electronic instrumentation for test, measurement and nuclear research. BNC has its corporate headquarters in San Rafael, California with several additional manufacturing facilities and sales offices located throughout the United States.

Berkeley Nucleonics sends Personal Radiation Detectors to Japan

As news crews from NBC News head to Japan to report on the difficult situation following last weeks earthquake and tsunami, they will be equipped with state-of-the-art radiation detection devices from Berkeley Nucleonics, a manufacturer of nuclear detection systems in California. The radiation detectors are about the size of a doctor’s pager and fit on the belt of the user. They alarm in the presence of nuclear radiation and store accumulated dose over a period of time. The instruments were provided on Saturday afternoon as company staff met with NBC couriers in San Rafael. The rush was in an urgent attempt to meet deadlines for staff reporters who were leaving the country. Other instruments from Berkeley Nucleonics currently deployed in Japan include the SAM Isotope Identifier, see here

The ability to alarm is useful for people not expecting to encounter nuclear radiation. Accumulated dose is an added feature that allows people to continue critical work such as search and rescue with a preset total dose alarm indicating when the worker should retreat from the area.

The thresholds for acceptable doses of radiation are set by various US agencies including the US EPA, which has maintained that an accumulated dose up to 5 REM (Roentgen Equivalent in Man) is acceptable per year. For emergency workers and first responders, higher limits are allowed. See the diagram below for common activities and the related exposure rates.

Arbitrary Waveform Generator Makes MEMS Waveforms

MEMS, microelectromechanical systems, require complex driving waveforms to achieve optimal performance and device lifetime. Often many of the same devices are needed for a given application. Cost considerations usually require these many devices to be operated open loop. If the driving waveform to these many devices can be optimized, both performance and lifetime for the MEMS devices can be dramatically improved. BNC’s arbitrary waveform generator, Model 645, has been an effective tool in determining what that waveform should be.

For example, MEMS switch lifetimes can be maximized by careful selection of the driving waveform. It has been shown that the number of reliable switch operations on a particular RF MEMS switch can range from 10*4 to 10*8 depending on the actuator drive voltage level. It has also been shown that tailoring of the waveform shape can also increase the switching speed by reducing contact bounce. An example of such a waveform is a pulse to activate the switch, a period of no signal and then a hold pulse at a level much lower than the activation pulse. An ARB is used to adjust the timing and amplitude of each phase of the drive signal. With an ARB one
can even adjust the shape of the driving pulses from step function to bandwidth-limited drives.

What was particularly useful was the Model 645’s ability to store complete sets of the 14-bit, 256K waveform so that one could tweak, store and compare with other waveforms. The Model 645 offers 14-bit resolution and a 125 MSa/s sampling rate, giving this MEMS application the time and amplitude control it needed. More details on the complete benchtop line of test equipment is available at www.berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.