
Justin E. 2025 | BASIS Independent Fremont
- Project Title: Detecting Naturally-Occuring Radioactive Isotope Signatures with Scintillation Detectors
- BASIS Independent Advisor: Dr. Dixit
Radioactive spectra are tools nuclear scientists use to visualize energies in radioactive decay. Energies of radioactive decay are plotted on a histogram which is then analyzed to find the most potent radioactive sources. This project automates the process of identifying radioactive isotopes in the environment via analysis of spectra obtained from Sodium Iodide (NaI) scintillation detectors. Currently, UC Berkeley’s Nuclear Engineering Department conducts environmental surveys around high-risk radiation areas, but manual analysis of spectral data from these surveys is typically employed afterwards, a time-intensive process which this project will streamline. With the new algorithms, radiation monitoring will be easier, and researchers will be able to see at a glance which radioactive isotopes are most likely present in a sample. Outside of the lab, handheld NaI systems running the software from this project can be used to increase education and awareness around radiation and radiation dose.