Remote sensing spectra of cesium chloride provide a potential emergency management tool for response to a radiological dispersal device detonation

Mark P.S. Krekeler, BS, MS, PhD; C. Scott Allen, BA, MA, MS

doi:10.5055/jem.2008.0014

Authors

Mark P.S. Krekeler, BS, MS, PhD
C. Scott Allen, BA, MA, MS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2008.0014

Keywords:

radiological dispersal device(s), dirty bombs, remote sensing, hyperspectral, cesium chloride

Abstract

Delineating affected areas from radiological dispersal device (RDD) events is a major challenge in emergency response. Remote sensing is one promising technique for detecting and discriminating dangerous from benign materials over large areas and from a safe distance. Remote sensing spectra of one major threat—cesium chloride (CsCl) powders—identifies previously unrecognized emissivity features at 2.96 μm (>30 percent), 6.01 μm (>20 percent), a broad feature at 7.10-7.49 μm (6-8 percent), and a triplet at 8.46 (6 percent), 8.89 (11-15 percent), and 9.33 μm (5-7 percent). While the features at 2.96, 6.01, and 7.10-7.49 μm are masked by atmospheric gases such as water vapor, the triplet at 8.46, 8.89, and 9.33 _m provides a unique spectral fingerprint that can be safely exploited from platforms at standoff distances.

Author Biographies

Mark P.S. Krekeler, BS, MS, PhD

Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.

C. Scott Allen, BA, MA, MS

Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.

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