Micah Folsom
NE alumnus and current lecturer in the program Micah Folsom (PhD/NE ’20) created a new neutron scatter camera design that might one day be used for detecting radiation from nuclear contraband or a dirty bomb. His research was recognized with the Best National Laboratory Collaboration award at the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development University Program Review at Georgia Tech in September.
Folsom’s research project, “A Neutron Scatter Camera Using Optical Coded-Aperture Imaging,” demonstrated excellent collaboration with the national labs. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where the research took place, it represents the first such experimental demonstration of any single volume scatter camera.
“I’m honored to win the award and thankful for the opportunity and resources to tackle such an interesting and challenging problem. I really enjoyed working with the talented scientists involved in this collaboration and I appreciate their mentorship,” Folsom said.
“I’m really impressed with the way Micah performed as an integral and leading part of the multi-institutional team on this project and helped to drive the design, implementation, and the first demonstration of this important work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory,” said Associate Department Head and Professor Jason Hayward, who served as Folsom’s thesis advisor.
The camera’s compact design allows for the potential for it to be worn on the person. The design is thought to have great potential because of the speed with which it could obtain a source image and identify the neutron source type.