Radiation Awareness and Interdiction Network (RAIN) Advanced Technology Demonstration
Mark Wrobel
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office
RAIN is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) to detect vehicle or cargo borne radiological or nuclear threats when traveling up to highway speeds. The approaches feature integration of radiation detectors, image capture systems, automated analysis, and communications intended to provide a highly sensitive and cost-effective capability. Specifically the ATD seeks to demonstrate the ability to:
- Detect radioactive sources in vehicles or conveyances moving at highway speeds as they approach or depart a region;
- Discriminate between benign sources of radiation, such as medical patients and naturally occurring radioactive materials, and potential threat sources which could be used in a radiological dispersal or nuclear device;
- Identify the vehicle or a small set of suspect vehicles carrying the radioactive material or device; and
- Transmit timely and actionable information, such as vehicle license plate data and radiation sensor alarms, to a law enforcement operations center to support threat interdiction.