Radiation Detection Using Passive Surface Acoustic Wave (PSAW) Sensors

As humans venture to the Moon and beyond, the need for a small, highly sensitive and fast- responding radiation detection device is needed. Research conducted at KSC in collaboration with the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the small business Pegasense investigated the utilization of Passive Surface Acoustic Wave sensors (PSAWs) for radiation monitoring. PSAWs offer advantages over traditional methods of radiation monitoring techniques because of their low cost, compact size, high sensitivity and immediate response times.