Market for ‘Plug and Play’ Detection Growing

As the market continues to grow for next-generation ‘plug and play’ nuclear radiation detection systems, Swiss detection specialist Arktis Radiation Detectors is opening a UK office in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire to cater for the demand and to manage business opportunities in the UK and Middle East, building on existing locations in Europe and the USA.

“There are a growing number of opportunities in areas such as border control and military applications and this expanded presence will give us the opportunity to build upon our existing customer base. We anticipate that the UK office will grow as the business accelerates. Amid concerns over use of ‘dirty bombs’ and exposure devices, enhanced security measures are needed at borders and ports. We are fully committed to building our business in the UK, using the expertise of the supply chain,” commented Vice President of Sales, Daniel Grosch.

Arktis will make increasing base of the UK supply chain, providing new opportunities for British firms to build on their nuclear detection business. In addition, the company has joined the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space industry body (ADS), in which it plans to contribute to the CBRN Special Interest Group, and is in discussions to extend and form new links with UK academia.

There has been growing interest in Arktis’ innovative, open system architecture technology, which leverages the use of natural helium in its detection systems, as opposed to scarce and expensive He-3 or other isotopes. Its systems are particularly suited to airports, maritime ports and areas of high population density: they can be used in static and mobile mode to detect nuclear materials, have already found applications in the seaport and airport environments and are under trial to fill a potential requirement at major transport hubs throughout the US.