AMETEK INTRODUCES THE ORTEC FISSION METER ™
High- Sensitivity, Advanced Portable Neutron Source Identification System

OAK RIDGE, TN, May 29, 2007–AMETEK’s ORTEC® Products Group, a recognized leader in radiation detection technology, has introduced an advanced portable neutron source identification system for the interdiction of fissionable material. The ORTEC Fission Meter provides “proof positive” identification of fissile neutron sources and is a valuable companion to the ORTEC Detective family of portable radiation identifiers that is widely regarded as the “Gold Standard” in high-resolution gamma-ray nuclide identification.

“When heavy shielding suppresses the gamma-ray signal from a fissioning neutron source, detection may rely solely on the neutron signal that source emits. With the highest sensitivity available in a portable neutron detection system, the ORTEC Fission Meter not only is able to detect the presence of neutrons but can separate those fission neutrons from neutrons found in background noise,” notes Tim Twomey, Product  Manager for ORTEC Products Group.

“That immunity to background noise is achieved using a technique known as multiplicity analysis. Other neutron counters on the market can count the neutrons but can not distinguish between fissile materials and the cosmic background.  This provides our Fission Meter with a unique advantage over comparable systems,” he adds.

The ORTEC Fission Meter consists of a high-efficiency neutron detection system, advanced multiplicity counting electronics, and easy-to-use software implemented on a rugged hand-held PC that is included with the system.  The meter utilizes technology developed by University of California’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and licensed by AMETEK’s ORTEC Products Group Division.