Radiological Defence

On-Site Radiation Measurements

DRDC Ottawa maintains a suite of sophisticated radiation metrology equipment that can be transported to remote locations for on-site measurements and analysis. Equipment and personnel may be deployed individually or as part of the Mobile Nuclear Laboratory, a self-contained, self-powered laboratory that incorporates the unique expertise of DRDC Ottawa’s Radiological Analysis and Defence group and a comprehensive suite of technologies.

Along with a full complement of supporting equipment including cameras, computers, and communications equipment, the Mobile Nuclear Laboratory includes tools to perform radiation surveys, monitor levels of contamination, and collect, prepare and analyze radiological samples (swipes, liquids, solids and air) for identification and quantification.

Radiation detection equipment that can be transported off-site includes alpha, beta, gamma and neutron survey meters; portable High Purity Germanium detectors for high resolution gamma spectrum analysis; the Microspec^™ suite of highly-portable equipment capable of gamma-ray, X-ray, beta or neutron spectroscopy; additional low-resolution and directional detectors; a Liquid Scintillation Counter for beta and alpha analysis; a ROSPEC^™ high-resolution neutron spectrometer; and hyper-sensitive thermoluminescent dosimeters and neutron dosimeters.

Radiation Sources

DRDC Ottawa’s unique suite of radiation sources includes well-characterized gamma, X-ray, and neutron irradiators, as well as a variety of alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron point and area sources. A selection of short-lived unsealed radioactive compounds can also be obtained as required. These sources provide the wide range exposure rates (from sub-background to nuclear weapons levels) needed for instrument verification and testing, space radiation testing, and response training. Near real-time dosimetry is provided for all testing, and a variety of calibrated instruments can be used for reference measurements.

T-100 Compound for Radiation Simulation and Testing

DRDC Ottawa has a unique 16-acre compound for radiological work. This compound has been used to perform diverse tasks, including research, testing, training, and exercises with both sealed and unsealed radioactive sources. The large physical area offers the ability to research, develop and test various types of detection equipment and to deploy sources for applications such as training, exercises, and airborne survey measurements. The area also includes specialized facilities for decontamination research, neutron irradiation, radiochemistry work, and radiological sample preparation and analysis.