Luís Marques, Major of the Portuguese Air Force, and student of the Technological and Nuclear Campus, defended, on 19/03, his PhD thesis in Technological Physics Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, with the theme "Development of a radiation detection system coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle for Security and Defence applications", under the supervision of Pedro Vaz, researcher at the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Sciences, and Alberto Vale, professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The dissertation focused on the development of an innovative radiation detection and localization system coupled to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with applications in Security and Defense. The study analysed existing technologies, identifying limitations, and created a mobile radiation detection system to locate sources of gamma and neutron radiation. 

The research combined tests and simulations to optimize the technology, integrating plastic scintillators with silicon photomultiplier sensors in UAVs, making the system compact, lightweight and affordable. An intelligent trajectory planning model was also implemented, allowing the UAV to adjust its course in real time, improving accuracy in detecting and locating radioactive sources.

"The conclusion of this thesis, with distinction and praise, represents the culmination of years of dedication and research, but also a significant contribution to innovation in radiation detection in Security and Defense scenarios. This work reinforces the importance of science and technology in the protection of critical infrastructures and in the prevention of radiological threats», said Luís Marques.

Our congratulations to Luís for his achievement!