Abstract: A system is presented for remotely measuring a concentration of a target material (e.g., radioactive gas, suspended aerosols or non-radioactive gaseous chemistries). The system includes a data processing system and a monitoring device. The device includes a detector having a chamber, collector in the chamber and a sensor. The target material enters the chamber. The collector collects ions generated by decay of the material. In one embodiment, the sensor measures changes in an electrostatic potential of the collector in response to the ions. In another embodiment, the sensor includes a scintillation counter that measures alpha or beta particles and provides an energy spectrum. In another embodiment, the sensor includes a material whose optical properties vary according to fields formed within the sensor. The device includes a transmitter for transmitting the potential, the spectrum or the field strength to the processing system for determining the concentration of the target material.

Abstract: A system is presented for remotely measuring a concentration of a target material (e.g., radioactive gas, suspended aerosols or non-radioactive gaseous chemistries). The system includes a data processing system and a monitoring device. The device includes a detector having a chamber, collector in the chamber and a sensor. The target material enters the chamber. The collector collects ions generated by decay of the material. In one embodiment, the sensor measures changes in an electrostatic potential of the collector in response to the ions. In another embodiment, the sensor includes a scintillation counter that measures alpha or beta particles and provides an energy spectrum. In another embodiment, the sensor includes a material whose optical properties vary according to fields formed within the sensor. The device includes a transmitter for transmitting the potential, the spectrum or the field strength to the processing system for determining the concentration of the target material.

Abstract: A sensor for the reliable detection of oil spills using fluorescence techniques. An ultraviolet (UV) light source is located around an optical column with which selected wavelengths of fluorescing hydrocarbons or other substances can be detected. The source of UV light is held at a constant level and special techniques are employed to remove background optical noise from the various detected wavelength signals. Short and long term running averages are generated to detect oil spills. A special buoy is employed to allow the sensor to be oriented at a cavity in the buoy to reliable detect oil spills on waterways. The buoy has windows to enable surface water to freely pass through into the cavity while preventing turbulence from open water waves and wind. The buoy has a low center of gravity well below the water line with a large submerged segment to reduce heaving motions and provide a stable platform for the detection of fluorescing substances.