A team of Australian scientists have created a new portable device that can pinpoint the exact location of radiation sources, faster and more accurately than ever before. The brand-new technology has enormous potential in a range of fields and industries, including mining operations involved in mining and milling of radioactive uranium ores.

The state-run Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)’s CORIS360™ produces fast, precise and high-quality 360-degree images that identify the location, type and amount of radiation in an area. It was designed, developed and is being commercialised by ANSTO and was launched at this month’s 2020 IEEE International Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference in Boston, USA.

Acting ANSTO CEO Shaun Jenkinson said the CORIS360™ system is a great example of Australian innovation and excellence. “There are many Australian industries that can benefit from CORIS360™ including mining and minerals, health, border security and defence, and the wider nuclear industry globally. This is a great example of Australian innovation that will improve worker safety and operational decision making for anyone working in a radiation environment.”

The device is the brainchild of Dr David Boardman, Principal Scientist and Chief Technology Officer, ANSTO Detection & Imaging. He says CORIS360™ works by harnessing compressed sensing technology, which is comparable to directly taking a compressed photo with a camera, rather than taking a photo and then using JPEG compression to reduce the file size.

“This technology has never been applied to nuclear safety before. By using compressed sensing technology, we can work faster, creating a safer operating environment for workers,” Dr Boardman said.

“The system is portable and simple to use, it takes two minutes to set up and can be operated remotely once in place. The images are clear and easy to interpret. The fact it is remotely-operated is particularly important. This means that personnel can minimise time spent in any potentially radioactive environments.”

ANSTO’s Executive Officer Detection & Imaging, Rosanne Robinson, said this is the culmination of seven-years of research and development from idea to product. “CORIS360™ acquires images with up to ten times fewer samples than traditional methods, delivering significant savings in time, money, resources and improving employee safety. We are delighted already with the strong response from a range of industries that will benefit from using CORIS360™.”