Challenge #66

Purpose of challenge

Orano is looking for innovative solutions to detect Pu particles in a confined space. The size of the particles prevents direct detection (particle size from 0.3 µ to 0.05 mm).

Description and expectations

Goals:

• Detect Pu powder and its associated emission point
  
• Visualize Pu powder invisible to the naked eye
  

Constraints: 

• Powder located in a confined enclosure
  
• Hand operated solution
  
• Minimum mass to be detected: 0.25 g of powder

The proposed solutions could be based for example on polarizing lighting techniques (through the light halo around the particle itself). However, all other relevant solutions will be evaluated.