Development of a Dual Alpha-Gamma Camera for Radiological Characterization

The CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) nuclear measurement laboratory in Marcoule, France, has been developing its expertise in gamma imaging since the 1980s. Stimulated by a strong demand from decommissioning projects, a particular focus since 2010 has been alpha detection and localization. As the number of nuclear plants being or due to be dismantled has increased recently, the CEA has been working on in-situ alpha/gamma measurements with a single dual camera (patented in 2016). This cutting-edge approach is based on advanced gamma and alpha imaging devices. This paper describes dual camera systems using either a customized aperture and scintillators or a UV lens depending on the mode of operation. Alternative configurations of the camera are still being investigated and developed, prototypes of which are currently being tested in our laboratory.