Product Data Sheet

SAM 950 Ruggedized Radiation Isotope Identifier

A handheld RIID built to meet ANSI N42.34, with water- and shock-resistant construction for demanding field and military work. A patented PDA-based architecture, one-click RadResponder reachback, and blackbox replay keep identification fast and the record clean.

SAM 950 · ANSI N42.34 Handheld RIID · Product Data Sheet
SAM 950 ruggedized radiation isotope identifier

1Overview

SAM 950 dose-rate display showing 95.28 urem/h and 2,646 cps
Dose-rate display: 95.28 urem/h at 2,646 cps.

The Model SAM 950 Ruggedized Isotope Identifier is the only RIID available with an internal, hardened 3"x3" NaI detector option. The higher sensitivity associated with the large volume NaI detector ensures rapid screening of low activity threats, detection of masked or shielded isotopes, and quick spectroscopic analysis. The SAM 950 also offers users a smaller light-weight optional NaI detector as well as an optional solid-state neutron detector.

Users will love the interface, following touch movements common to smart phones. You can expand on peaks in a spectrum to take a closer look at the energy peaks, or swipe sideways to additional alarm and event details. Once a report is generated, quickly append the report with photos, voice memos and video.

Verification note. Section titles and structure are organized from the released Berkeley Nucleonics SAM 950 datasheet; all specifications below are quoted verbatim from that source. Items not stated in the source are marked "(verify)".

2Key Features

SAM 950 navigation keypad with Enter, directional, and Menu keys
Touch Screen or Bubble Key Pad navigation.
  • Rich PDA-Based Feature Set
  • Immediate Reach-Back Emailing
  • Behind the Scene Auto-Calibration
  • Water and Shock Proof
  • High Resolution Gamma and Neutron
  • Multimedia Training and Support

3Detector & Performance

SAM 950 spectrum display in Manual ID mode identifying Cs-137 at 98 percent
Manual ID spectrum view: pinch, expand, and swipe gestures over the live spectrum (Cs-137, 98%).

The SAM 950 accepts a range of detector sizes and crystal types. NaI(Tl) is standard. LaBr3 and CeBr3 are optional where higher energy resolution matters. A gain-compensated Geiger-Muller (GM) tube extends dose-rate coverage, and an optional solid-state or 3He neutron detector adds neutron sensitivity.

DetectorSizeEnergy resolution @ 662 keV
NaI(Tl) Sodium Iodide1.5"x1.5", 2.0"x2.0", 3.0"x3.0"< 8%
LaBr3 Lanthanum Bromide1.5"x1.5"< 3%
CeBr3 Cerium Bromide1.5"x1.5"< 4%
GM Tube2.0"x2.0"Gain Compensated Geiger-Muller Detector
Solid-state or 3He neutron (optional)Neutron detection

Solid State neutron area: 4 cm² active area, 20% thermal N eff., γ rej. 1:107.

4Specifications

ParameterSpecification
ApplicationSecondary Screening, Isotope Confirmation, Spectral Analysis, Dose Rate Meter, Data Logging, Source Locater
ModesFinder (source hunt), Identification, Analysis, Reporting
InterfaceKeypad and Touchscreen, One Hand / Gloved Operation
Energy Range (Gamma)20 keV – 3.0 MeV
Energy ResolutionNaI Detectors <8% @ 662 keV
LaBr3 Detectors <3% @ 662 keV
CeBr3 Detectors <4% @ 662 keV
MCA Electronics10-bit, 1024 channels, proprietary electronics design
Dose Rate Range0-10 mR/hr (NaI), 10-10 R/hr (GM Tube)
StabilizationAutomatic Real Time Stabilization, No External Source Required
Isotope IdentificationTypical 2-10 seconds, ANSI compliant Library, Isotope/Category/Confidence Level
Battery>8 Hours continuous use, Lithium Ion w/Low Battery Indicator
Standard AA Alkaline Battery Adapter (optional)
AlarmsAudible (Waterproof Speaker on Rear)
Visual (On Screen Indicator)
Alarm TypesGamma Dose Rate, Gamma Count, Neutron Count, CPS
Secondary Health Alarm – Danger Indication
Detector TypesNaI(Tl):  1.5"x1.5", 2.0"x2.0", 3.0"x3.0" LaBr3 / CeBr3:  1.5"x1.5", 2.0"x2.0" GM Tube: Gain Compensated Geiger-Muller Detector
Solid State neutron: 4 cm active area, 20% thermal N eff., γ rej. 1:107
LibraryANSI, ANSI+ 2015, Medical, Industrial, User Defined
Reach-Back ToolANSI N42.42-2012 or CSV Event Data via Email Distribution List or WiFi (Rad Responder)
Application (PDA)Android Based Application (PeakAbout) for Smartphones, Tablets, Windows Based application for Command Center integration.
Dimensions (WxDxH)192 mm x 356 mm x 214 mm
Weight4.3kg (9.5 lb) w/ 3x3 inch NaI(Tl)
3.2kg (7 lb) w/ 2x2 inch NaI(Tl)
2.9kg (5lb) w/ 1.5x1.5 inch LaBr3, CeBr3, NaI
Operating Temp.-4°F to 122°F
Rel. Humidity10% to 90%, non-condensing
Water / Dust ProtectionIP65 Rated, Sprayable for Decontamination
ConnectivityMicroUSB 2.0, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1 (ANSI N42.42-2012)
PDA FeaturesCamera: CMOS, 13.0 MP
Display: 5" Touch Screen / AMOLED
GPS: Built-in with LAT/LONG logging
Speaker84 dB (1 W / 0.5 m), waterproof
Package ContentsPower Charger (12 V, 3 A), Vehicle Charging Adapter, Shoulder Strap, Pelican Hard Case, Calibration Certificate (NIST Traceable)

5Isotope Library

The SAM 950 reports nuclide identification with a typical 2 to 10 second identification time, returning an isotope, a category, and a confidence level for each result. The on-board library covers:

  • ANSI
  • ANSI+ 2015
  • Medical
  • Industrial
  • User Defined

6Options & Configurations

Detector Configuration

  • Sizes: 1.5×1.5, 2×2, and 3×3 inch
  • Crystals: NaI(Tl) standard, LaBr3 optional, CeBr3 optional

Neutron Detection

  • Optional solid-state neutron detector
  • Optional 3He neutron detector

Communications

  • WiFi
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS (built-in)
  • USB (Micro USB 2.0)
  • RadResponder network compatible

Package Contents

  • Power Charger (12 V, 3 A)
  • Vehicle Charging Adapter
  • Shoulder Strap
  • Pelican Hard Case
  • Calibration Certificate (NIST Traceable)
A Standard AA Alkaline Battery Adapter is available as an option. Contact Berkeley Nucleonics for the current accessory and spares list.

7Applications

  • Secondary Radiation Screening
  • Medical / Industrial Nuclear Controls
  • Event Management
  • Health Physics / Hazmat Support
  • Port and Border Law Enforcement

Additional deployment contexts described in the datasheet include Rad-Responder, STC and FBI integration, transmitting to a remote command center or government supplied hotspots, and integration with larger PeakGo programs that travel seamlessly using WiFi or 4G to the user's receiving destination.

8Ordering Information

The SAM 950 is ordered as Model 950-XX-YYY, where XX = Type and YYY = Gamma Detector.

CodeDescription
G-NaI Gamma
GN-NaI Gamma with Neutron
-N151.5"x1.5" NaI Detector
-N202.0"x2.0" NaI Detector
-N303.0"x3.0" NaI Detector
HG-High Resolution Gamma
HGN-High Resolution Gamma with Neutron
-C151.5"x1.5" CeBr3 Detector
-C202.0"x2.0" CeBr3 Detector
-L151.5"x1.5" LaBr3 Detector
Request a quote or demonstration. Contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858 to configure a SAM 950 for your mission.

9Product Enhancements

SAM 950 mounted on a survey tripod for repositioned weight-bearing operation
Tripod mount for long operating periods and stand-off survey.

The SAM 950 has been enhanced with some useful application specific tools:

  • See the new LED Flashlight for nighttime operations or analysis indoors in poorly lit areas (warehouse, duct systems, storage containers, etc.).
  • The shoulder mount clips have been repositioned to balance the weight equally for the end user when operating for long details.
  • An added GM-Tube offers alarm indication and high count rate measurements in the event that the NaI detector is saturated. Follow the on-screen directional arrows (Move Back, etc.) to obtain accurate Isotope Identification and Spectroscopy.
  • A convenient Tri-Pod mount is included on the underside of the instrument, enabling fixed geometry spectroscopy or monitoring packages and personnel.
SAM 950 screen showing RadResponder account sign-in
Log in with RadResponder credentials.