Radiation Detection R&D in support of Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Forensics

Richard Harrison, Research Scientist at the Sandia National Laboratory

All dates for this event occur in the past.

Scott Laboratory
Scott Laboratory
201 W. 19th Ave
E141
Columbus, OH 43210
United States

Abstract: This talk will cover select examples of recent and on-going R&D efforts in support of the nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear forensics mission at Sandia National Laboratories. Specifically, we will discuss research into alternative methods for radiation detection, including optical detection of radiation, converter-based solid-state sensor technologies, and photovoltaics as a radiation detector, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches in comparison with conventional detector technologies. The talk will also cover one particular take on life as a nuclear engineer performing R&D within the national laboratory system.

About the Speaker: Dr. Richard K. Harrison is a nuclear engineer at Sandia National Laboratories currently working on projects in radiation detection, computational physics, and optical research. His background includes a M.S. in Nuclear Engineering for work on prompt gamma analysis and a Ph.D. for research in ultrafast lasers/optics comparing experimental and electromagnetic simulation results for semiconductor materials, both from the University of Texas at Austin. As a member of Sandia’s Monitoring Systems and Technology R&D team since 2012, Dr. Harrison has focused on the development and testing of optical and semiconductor sensors for nuclear forensics and non-proliferation applications, spanning Teller light projects, lab-based and outdoor experimental campaigns at radiation facilities around the country, computational modeling of optical/radiation transport, and remote sensing. Dr. Harrison has also held leadership roles for campaigns on the validation and verification of nuclear detonation detection sensors for projects funded by the Departments of Energy and Defense. 

Host: Vaibhav Sinha