App Profile: GammaPix

The GammaPix(TM) App, developed initially for several federal agencies, turns your phone into a detector of ionizing radiation. This isn't one of those fake Geiger counters. It uses your phone's cameras as the radiation detector. The GammaPix technology has been successfully tested at independent labs with calibrated sources. It was developed with support from the U.S. Department of Defense, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (U.S. Department of Homeland Security), and the Transportation Research Board (U.S. National Academy of Sciences). We were encouraged by them to bring this technology to the public.

Worried about accidental exposure to radioactive material or acts of terrorism? The GammaPix App can provide timely warning of the presence of radioactivity using nothing more than your phone's camera. While it is NOT meant to be a substitute for dedicated ionizing radiation detectors, it is a rapid and convenient way of making preliminary threat estimates.

This is a tool. Various circumstances may compromise the measurement or make the results inaccurate.

o Real-time mode. Watch the results as a reading is being taken.
o Three-stage mode. Quick warning of danger. A full-length reading to look for lower doses.
o Use either camera.
o Calibrations for iOS devices for iPhone 5S and earlier
o Map display of readings

We hope you enjoy using GammaPix!

Notes:

A 10 to 20 minute initialization is required before you use each camera for the first time. We know this step slows you down, but it really is necessary to get the best results. Please perform this step in a place you know is likely to be free of excessive radioactivity, with your device cool and unplugged.

For best results make sure no light is getting into the camera when you run the GammaPix app. Putting the phone in your pocket or covering it with a book works well. Electrical tape

A reading takes about 3 to 5 minutes if there's no danger. Dangerous levels will be reported sooner.

The GammaPix App will not work on some phone models because the camera optimization at low light levels gives "bright" pictures. App may not work on some individual iOS 8 devices.

Disclaimer: The type of radiation picked up by the camera can be dangerous and detrimental to the user's health as well as cause damage to the device. Various circumstances may compromise the measurement or make the results inaccurate.