RMD to develop next generation radiation detection equipment for US DHS

RMD Research, a subsidiary of Dynasil, has received contracts from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO).

Under the contracts, RMD Research will advance the government’s research and development initiatives focused on the identification of illicit nuclear materials.

The company will also advance DNDO’s goal of identifying cost effective detection technology to combat proliferation of nuclear materials.

Dynasil board chairman, interim chief executive officer and president Peter Sulick said the company will use specialised materials research expertise to develop technology for critical homeland security applications.

"These awards focus on the development of next generation materials to combat nuclear smuggling by improving detection of illicit materials at ports, airports, railways and border crossings," Sulick added.

"We believe that our research provides integrated solutions to identify neutron and gamma rays, which are signatures of highly enriched uranium and weapons-grade plutonium."

RMD aims to help DNDO in improving the nation’s nuclear and radiological materials detection capabilities.

"The threat of terrorists smuggling nuclear materials into the country to create weapons of mass destruction is one of the most serious threats faced by the United States," Sulick further said.

"To prevent this from occurring requires equipping border crossings and shipping ports in the United States and abroad with advanced systems to detect the telltale signature of nuclear materials."