ANSTO Commercializes First Dual Gamma and Thermal Neutron Imager
ANSTO's CORIS360 GNI combines gamma and neutron imaging in a single portable platform — compressed sensing mathematics deliver 10x faster image reconstruction than legacy coded-aperture cameras, with remote operation that keeps frontline operators out of the hazard zone.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | February 18, 2026 |
| Region | Australia / Global |
| Signal Type | Technology |
| Confidence | 5/5 — Primary developer announcement |
What Happened
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) announced the commercial launch of the CORIS360 Gamma Neutron Imager (GNI), a system capable of simultaneously detecting and imaging both gamma-ray and thermal neutron sources.
Why It Matters
Field operators have historically relied on separate instruments to map gamma radiation and detect neutron emissions. Neutrons carry no electrical charge and cannot directly ionize detector materials — they must be captured by isotopes with high neutron absorption cross-sections (³He, ⁶Li, or ¹⁰B), which then emit secondary charged particles to generate a detectable signal. Engineering a single portable platform to image both modalities without gamma flux blinding the neutron detectors is a formidable physical challenge.
The CORIS360 GNI resolves this through compressed sensing. Traditional radiation imaging relies on Nyquist-Shannon sampling, requiring vast numbers of discrete pixel samples. In high-radiation or time-critical environments, acquiring this data volume is tactically dangerous. Compressed sensing exploits the inherent sparsity of the radiation signal using L₁ norm minimization, acquiring data in pre-compressed format. This reduces required sampling by up to 90%, enabling the device to pinpoint a moderated ²⁵²Cf neutron source at 4 meters standoff in under 15 minutes.
The system overlays gamma and neutron flux maps onto a high-definition 360° optical panorama. In border interdiction scenarios, customs officers can remotely scan a suspect container and receive a visual heat map isolating the exact location of illicit isotopes — entirely removing the human operator from the immediate hazard zone.
Operational Implications
Hardware modularity through plug-and-play detector modules ensures optimized performance across highly variable dose-rate environments. Remote operational capability significantly reduces the ALARA dose burden on frontline operators during complex search operations. Procurement officers evaluating next-generation imaging systems should monitor ANSTO's commercialization timeline and pricing structure.
Sources
- Breakthrough dual Gamma and Neutron Imager improves nuclear safety — ANSTO
- CORIS360® GNI — Gamma Neutron Imager — ANSTO