Detection of moving radioactive sources using sensor networks

A variety of recent applications have led to a great interest in the development and application of sensor networks with the goal of providing more effective detection of moving radioactive sources. This paper endeavors to analyze and evaluate the costs and benefits associated with the use of a network of radiation detectors for applications involving the detection of a moving radioactive source. This analysis is restricted to the one-dimensional case, i.e., to the case where the moving source is constrained to move along a single path. It is found that the relative advantage resulting from sensor dispersal depends upon the goals, objectives, and constraints of the measurement scenario. The dispersal of sensors into a network may be advisable or required for operational reasons, but from a statistical perspective does not directly lead to improved performance in terms of detection efficiency and false detection rate.