RATRACK - Directional Sensitive Nuclear Recoil Detectors for Homeland Security and Environmental Radon Assay

The Sheffield particle physics group is acknowledged by STFC as having one of the best programmes of spin-out activity designed for using particle physics technology in industry and for society. RATRACK is a novel gas-based particle detector spin-out technology with CCD cameras, developed from dark matter work, turned to allow 3D imaging of alpha particles and nuclear recoils induced by fast neutrons. The project involves design and optimization of a next generation device that can be used to do very sensitive measurements of environmental fast neutrons, including their direction, but also to allow assay of environmental radon or surface alpha contamination. The project involves international collaboration with groups in Italy, Australia and the US as well as links with industry.