Radioactive material detected remotely using laser-induced electron avalanche breakdown

Physicists have developed a powerful new method to detect radioactive material. By using an infrared laser beam to induce an electron avalanche breakdown near the material, the new technique can detect shielded material from a distance -- improving upon current technologies that require close proximity to radioactive material. With additional engineering, the method could be scaled up to scan shipping containers at ports of entry, providing a powerful new tool for security applications.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2CLasWz