Distributed
Nuclear Threat Detection
Distributed Nuclear Threat Detection
Goal: Create an open source, publicly accessible database kept updated via an easily field improvised network for detecting powerful ionizing radiation sources within a very large area. Using field imporovisable devices integrating items such as old webcams, network hardware, wax, aluminum foil, jewelry boxes and things found in I.T. junk piles and second hand shops around the world.
They would then be placed in locations around a neighborhood/town/region communicating with a central server for comparing and contrasting incoming radiation from each point and keeping the database informed.
*I've got the hardware and physics figured out - know any python programmers who want to contribute to world peace? :-)
Doing more tests of all kinds of sources with different moderators and at different distances - to look for obvious patterns. And one thing I know . . . I will not live long enough to test every variable. But this is why God made AI right? (Or vice versa?) I think even a basic Machine Learning app would crack this in no time.
Three front DNT detectors and one back control (in the pretty container) - doing symmetry tests while waving different kinds of sources around them.
Motivation: I believe that small scale nuclear terrorism is going to become increasingly likely, increasingly quickly. Powerful technology is becoming easily accessible to huge swaths of humanity. Political instability leads to more powerful isotopes sneaking into the open market.
Challenges: Software - need a coder to put a basic AI pattern recognition program in charge of the network. A potential BIG challenge: speed/C/time/sync of sources - perhaps easily solved with identical hardware and symmetrical distances. But with field improvised hacks making up each data source? A great deal more challenge, but that means . . . more fun!
Why this tech? Currently detection of such threats can only be done in small areas at once, scanning people, vehicles or premises. And the most sensitive and wide area sensing systems are extremely complicated and expensive. This is meant to be dirt cheap, and perhaps even more sensitive!
Pulling out dusty old Geiger Counters to help test and calibrate my radiation detectors.
An example of the ease of getting down to the raw CCD of an old webcam. Then some wax, aluminum and other options later . . . you have a quick field improvised node for adding to the DNTD network.
Another dining room table test - using multiple close nodes to different computers on same network. Looking for patterns.
Running tests on different old CCD chips with strong Alpha sources.
Tests on more old webcams from thrift shops and yard sales.
Anybody know any geek coders with chops in graphics apps - and wanting to contribute to world peace?! :-)