The Need

Accurate, sensitive, and selective detection of low-concentration tritium gas is critical for nuclear safety, environmental monitoring, and non-proliferation. Existing methods, such as gas proportional counters and liquid scintillation counters, require labor-intensive sample preparation and are prone to interference from other radioactive gases and pressure fluctuations. There is a pressing need for a robust, field-deployable solution that delivers laboratory-grade sensitivity without complex sample handling.

The Technology

Researchers at The Ohio State University, led by Dr. Lei (Raymond) Cao, have developed a novel proportional counter for tritium gas detection, utilizing a metal hydride-activated hydrogen sorption layer. Tritium-containing gas is absorbed into the chamber, where hydrogen isotopes are selectively captured by the metal hydride layer. After purging residual gases, controlled heating releases only tritium back into the chamber for detection. The "MEGA" (metal and gas) device operates in standard proportional counting mode, providing high selectivity and efficiency for tritium measurement, while minimizing background interference.

Commercial Applications

• Detect clandestine nuclear activities that are not adequately addressed by existing products in the market.
• Monitoring tritium production, handling facilities, nuclear power plants, fusion research facilities, and radiochemical facilities.
• Environmental monitoring in meteorology, geohydrology, and agriculture.
• Measuring radiation isotopes for cancer treatment and medical research.

Benefits/Advantages

• Tritium-gas sensitivity of 0.001 μCi/m3 (one order of magnitude better than the best commercial product available at 0.01 μCi/m3).
• Weight of approximately 50 lbs (one order of magnitude better than the best commercial product available at 530 lbs).
• Price point (selling price) estimated to be 80% LESS than the price point of the best commercial product available.
• Highly selective to tritium, eliminating interference from other radioactive gases.
• Achieves up to 100% detection efficiency, surpassing conventional methods.