Symetrica
About Us
Spectroscopic PVT A new primary portal with Spectroscopic-PVT.
History

2011 - A very busy year so far. Highlights include extensive testing of our Helium-3 free neutron detector technology, the launch of the next generation handheld using Symetrica Discovery Technolohgy® for isotope detection and identification and the commissioning of a new, primary portal portal with isotope classification using Spectroscopic-PVT. Read more.

2010 - Highlights include the testing of the NNS-1000 detector, a unique Helium-3 free neutron detector module with sensitivity and gamma rejection performance equivalent to a 1m Helium-3 tube. Testing was conducted at PNNL, in the US and HPA in the UK.

2006 - Symetrica partnered with Smiths Detection to Win the Contract to Develop and Supply Next-generation Radiation Detectors to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

2005 - Symetrica Inc. founded, including a dedicated manufacturing facility in Massachusetts.

2002 - Symetrica Ltd. spun-out from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton to commercialize proprietary, high performance gamma-ray spectroscopy, imaging hardware, software and the know-how developed by Dr Ramsden and his team at the University.

Stabilized gamma identification system A fully stabilized detector sub-system with isotope ID.
The Technology

Symetrica core technology is currently focussed on Homeland Security. Our technologies include:

These unique technologies have been developed to detect and accurately identify threat materials, even when they are masked by innocent radioactive material or in the presence significant shielding. These technologies combine to provide the foundations for the next generation of instruments for Homeland Security applications.

Discovery Technology®

Symetrica has developed a range of proven, fully stabilized gamma-ray detection and identification systems. This success is based on the combination of unique isotope detection algorithms, new hardware architectures and novel detector designs. Referred to collectively as Symetrica Discovery Technology® these systems have been proven in both NaI and LaBr detector systems, as demonstrated by the success of RadSeeker.

Discovery Technology® improves the resolution of the spectrum collected by optimized crystal spectrometers through a patented de-convolution process. In addition to this improvement, a new, proprietary real time stabilisation technique that stabilizes the complete detection chain is applied. These innovations combine to maintain high resolution peak positions over time in varying backgrounds. The creation of these ultra-stable, improved resolution spectra enables the application of a new class of isotope identification algorithm in instruments previously considered as low resolution and more suitable for multiple-template and library spectra matching.

The Discovery Technology® approach utilizes the stabilized peaks and expected peak ratios in our identification algorithms to determine and characterise the threat. Notably, this results in the improved identification of threat materials in shielded, masked or concealed situations outside controlled test environments. This provides two critical benefits to operators. These are an improved identification performance and a reduction in the number of false alarms over a full operational temperature range. More information on the application of this technology can be found here.

Helium-3 free neutron detection technology

The development of our drop-in replacement for Helium-3 neutron detection modules for Radiation Portal Monitors and other Homeland Security Applications was stimulated by the worldwide shortage of Helium-3. The technology is available off-the-shelf and has undergone a substantial environmental and performance test program.

The detectors have been evaluated by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the Radiation Metrology Group of the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the PERLA laboratory, of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU), Nuclear Security Unit in Ispra, Italy. A paper summarising the development program is available in the proceedings of the 52nd Annual Meeting of the institute of Nuclear Materials Management and can be found here.

The technology is uniquely scalable. For more information and pricing, please contact us with details of your requirement.

Spectroscopic-PVT

A new class of large volume Spectroscopic-PVT detector has been developed for primary cargo portals. These detectors provide a spectral output and have the potential to provide a classification capability that the current generation of PVT-gamma detectors lack. This unique development could improve the information available from current primary screening systems whilst maintaining the attractive performance and cost benefits of PVT. More information from primary could be used to inform operational decisions that could significantly impact throughput and inspection efficiency whilst maintaining the integrity of the scanning system.

For more information on our Spectroscopic-PVT detection solutions or any of our other technology, please contact us.

Helium-3 free neutron detector module Drop in Helium-3 free neutron detector modules.
The Symetrica Group

Symetrica

Since 2002 Symetrica has grown rapidly to become a leading supplier of advanced isotope detection and identification technologies for the Homeland Security market. The Symetrica Group has extensive technical expertise and is forging an excellent track record in this field. Our mission is to deliver disruptive technologies to the market that improve the detection, location, quantification and the identification of radioactive material.

The detection and identification of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), medical and industrial sources and Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) are often mission-critical. Solutions that provide step changes in these capabilities provide a foundation for the evolving challenges experienced by our customers.

Symetrica Inc. MA

Formed in 2005 in Maynard MA, Symetrica Inc. houses the production facility, the applied research, the applied engineering and software departments. The production facility manufactures the Discovery Technology® detector sub-systems for RadSeeker whilst the application teams provide post sales support and development support to new technologies during their qualification. This team of experts also provides high level project support activities during detection system development, integration and deployment.

Symetrica Security Ltd. UK

Symetrica Security Ltd. is home to the group's commercial team, the software and engineering departments and the research and development group. Based on the The University of Southampton Science Park, Symetrica Security Ltd. provides the group with the ability to field prototype systems with a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL5-6) for proof of principle testing in simulated operational environments.