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

Verification notes. The Overview prose below was paraphrased during source extraction; confirm exact wording against the latest released Berkeley Nucleonics SAM 950 datasheet before release. The published product page references an isotope, category, and confidence report per ANSI N42.34 but does not list specific library categories (SNM, NORM, medical, industrial); treat the categories in Section 5 as "verify." IEC and ITRAP certifications are not stated on the source page; verify with engineering.

The SAM 950 is a ruggedized handheld radiation isotope identifier built to meet ANSI N42.34 requirements for instruments used in radionuclide detection and identification. Berkeley Nucleonics designed it around a patented PDA-based architecture that holds up in demanding environments. The instrument supports gamma detection as standard and adds optional neutron detection, so a single device covers a wide threat picture.

Water- and shock-resistant construction lets the SAM 950 work where it is needed: homeland security checkpoints, first-response scenes, military operations, and field analysis of nuclear materials. One-click reachback transmits a file automatically, by email or through the RadResponder network, putting a remote expert in the loop within seconds. Blackbox replay preserves every event for later review, and automatic real-time stabilization on K-40 keeps the spectrum honest across the full operating temperature band.

2Key Features

  • Designed to meet all ANSI N42.34 requirements for handheld radionuclide identifiers.
  • Ruggedized, water- and shock-resistant construction for field and military use.
  • Patented PDA-based handheld RIID design.
  • Automatic real-time calibration and stabilization using K-40, so identification stays accurate without operator intervention.
  • One-click reachback for automatic file transmission by email or through the RadResponder network.
  • RadResponder enabled, tying the instrument into a recognized national reachback system.
  • Touch-screen interface with gesture control.
  • Integrated multimedia support: camera, audio, and video tied to events.
  • Blackbox replay for event logging, with a database protocol for log files and alarm events.
  • LED flashlight for target illumination.
  • Optional solid-state or 3He neutron detector.
  • WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and USB connectivity, plus web-based training.

3Detector & Performance

The SAM 950 accepts a range of detector sizes and crystal types, so the same platform scales from a compact 1.5 inch identifier to a high-sensitivity 3 inch system. NaI(Tl) is standard. LaBr3 and CeBr3 are optional where higher energy resolution matters. Dose-rate coverage spans a NaI range and a GM range, and an optional neutron detector adds special-nuclear-material sensitivity.

DetectorSizeEnergy resolution @ 662 keV
NaI(Tl) Sodium Iodide (standard)1.5×1.5, 2×2, 3×3 inch< 7% (2×2, 3×3 inch)
LaBr3 Lanthanum Bromide (optional)2×2 inch< 3%
CeBr3 Cerium Bromide (optional)2×2 inch< 4%
Solid-state or 3He neutron (optional)Neutron detection
SAM 950 touch-screen interface
The 5 inch touch screen supports gesture control and event-tied multimedia capture.
SAM 950 ruggedized handheld in field use
Water- and shock-resistant construction suits homeland security, first response, and military field work.

4Specifications

Detection and Performance

ParameterSpecification
Detection typeGamma and Neutron (optional)
Detector size1.5×1.5, 2×2, 3×3 inch
Energy resolution (Gamma), NaI(Tl) 2×2, 3×3 inch< 7% @ 662 keV
Energy resolution (Gamma), LaBr3 2×2 inch< 3% @ 662 keV
Energy resolution (Gamma), CeBr3 2×2 inch< 4% @ 662 keV
Energy range (Gamma)20 keV to 3 MeV
MCA channel10 bit, 1024 channel
Dose rate range0 to 10 mR/h (NaI), 10 mR/h to 10 R/h (GM)
StabilizationAutomatic real-time stabilization using K-40
Nuclide identificationAccording to ANSI N42.34, isotope / category / confidence report
BatteryMore than 8 hours, lithium ion

Input / Output

ParameterSpecification
USBMicro USB 2.0, IP65
CameraCMOS 13.0 MP
GPSBuilt-in GPS in smartphone
AC adapter12V, 3A
Speaker84 dB (1W / 0.5 m), water proof
Display5 inch touch screen

Physical

ParameterSpecification
Dimensions (W x D x H)192 x 356 x 214 mm
Weight (3×3 inch NaI(Tl))4.3 kg (9.5 lb)
Weight (2×2 inch NaI(Tl))3.2 kg (7 lb)
Weight (1.5×1.5 inch LaBr3, CeBr3, NaI)2.9 kg (5 lb)
Shipping dimensions (W x D x H)20 x 17 x 10 in
Shipping weight25 lb

Environmental

ParameterSpecification
Operating temperature-15°C (5°F) to 50°C (122°F)
Relative humidity10 to 80%, non condensing

5Isotope Library

The SAM 950 reports nuclide identification according to ANSI N42.34, returning an isotope, a category, and a confidence value for each result. The categories below reflect the standard operational groupings for this class of identifier and are flagged for verification against the released datasheet.

  • SNM (Special Nuclear Material), verify
  • NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material), verify
  • Medical, verify
  • Industrial, verify

Identification follows the ANSI N42.34 reporting model: isotope, category, and confidence. Confirm the exact published category set with Berkeley Nucleonics before quoting.

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
A discrete accessory part-number list is not published on the SAM 950 product page. Contact Berkeley Nucleonics for the current accessory and spares list. (Verify.)
SAM 950 detector and connectivity options
Detector size and crystal type are selected to match the mission; neutron detection is optional.

7Applications

  • Homeland Security
  • Emergency Responder
  • Safeguard and Nuclear Security
  • Radiological Area Mapping
  • Geological Radiation Survey
  • Military operations
  • Field analysis of nuclear materials

8Ordering / In the Box

The SAM 950 is ordered by detector size and crystal type, with neutron detection added as an option. Specify NaI(Tl), LaBr3, or CeBr3, then select the detector size and any neutron option for your mission. RadResponder enablement and the standard connectivity suite ship with every unit.

Configuration choiceOptions
CrystalNaI(Tl) standard; LaBr3 or CeBr3 optional
Detector size1.5×1.5, 2×2, or 3×3 inch
Neutron detectionNone; solid-state; or 3He (optional)
ConnectivityWiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB; RadResponder enabled
Request a quote or demonstration. Contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858 to configure a SAM 950 for your mission.