Abstract: An apparatus for detecting radiation energy includes a first comparator coupled to a first voltage source applying a first threshold voltage to the first comparator. The apparatus includes a second comparator, a radiation detector, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), and control circuitry. The second comparator is coupled to a second voltage source applying a second threshold voltage to the second comparator. The radiation detector is coupled to the first and second comparators. The ADC has a first input coupled to the detector, and is responsive to a second input for placing it in a low-power mode. The control circuitry is coupled to outputs of the comparators and the ADC, and the control circuitry temporarily switches the ADC from the low-power mode to a normal operating mode to perform a peak measurement of detected radiation energy, and determine the first and second threshold voltages based on the peak measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting radiation energy includes a first comparator coupled to a first voltage source applying a first threshold voltage to the first comparator. The apparatus includes a second comparator, a radiation detector, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), and control circuitry. The second comparator is coupled to a second voltage source applying a second threshold voltage to the second comparator. The radiation detector is coupled to the first and second comparators. The ADC has a first input coupled to the detector, and is responsive to a second input for placing it in a low-power mode. The control circuitry is coupled to outputs of the comparators and the ADC, and the control circuitry temporarily switches the ADC from the low-power mode to a normal operating mode to perform a peak measurement of detected radiation energy, and determine the first and second threshold voltages based on the peak measurement.

Abstract: A radiation detection system is disclosed comprising of number of detector elements arranged in a regular pattern that allows for directional information to be collected based on the number of radiation interaction events in each detection element. This system is mounted to an unmanned vehicle. In some embodiments, this information is used by the motion control unit of the unmanned vehicle to guide its movement toward a radiation source. A radiation spectrometer, also integrated in the detection system, is able to identify radiation sources.

Abstract: A radiation detection system is disclosed comprising of number of detector elements arranged in a regular pattern that allows for directional information to be collected based on the number of radiation interaction events in each detection element. This system is mounted to an unmanned vehicle. In some embodiments, this information is used by the motion control unit of the unmanned vehicle to guide its movement toward a radiation source. A radiation spectrometer, also integrated in the detection system, is able to identify radiation sources.