A quantum dot (QD) lightning detection and warning (LDW) system and method. This LDW system and method find broader applicability to spark and other transient optical event detection as well. The QDs are operable for receiving ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), visible, x-ray, and/or gamma ray radiation emanating from lightning or the like and generating visible radiation that may be detected and utilized to generate topological event information, such that property, human life, and the like may be safeguarded.

A method for searching for and detecting gamma radiation sources in conditions of nonuniform radioactive contamination is provided. Stages in which a source of maximally active radiation is determined, the radiation power is measured with a collimated detector and at the same time the distance to the source is determined with the aid of a laser detector rangefinder. Readings of the laser rangefinder and the value of a dose rate are established by the detector are recorded. The dose rate of the radiation of the actual source is calculated, after which, to verify the distance measured to the radiation source, the aiming axis of the rangefinder is moved for a distance horizontally. The measurement is repeated and the distance recorded. The results of successive measurements of the distance are compared. If there is a divergence in the measurements within the laser rangefinder error limits, the information is acknowledged as reliable.

A method for searching for and detecting gamma radiation sources in conditions of nonuniform radioactive contamination is provided. Stages in which a source of maximally active radiation is determined, the radiation power is measured with a collimated detector and at the same time the distance to the source is determined with the aid of a laser detector rangefinder. Readings of the laser rangefinder and the value of a dose rate are established by the detector are recorded. The dose rate of the radiation of the actual source is calculated, after which, to verify the distance measured to the radiation source, the aiming axis of the rangefinder is moved for a distance horizontally. The measurement is repeated and the distance recorded. The results of successive measurements of the distance are compared. If there is a divergence in the measurements within the laser rangefinder error limits, the information is acknowledged as reliable.

A quantum dot (QD) lightning detection and warning (LDW) system and method. This LDW system and method find broader applicability to spark and other transient optical event detection as well. The QDs are operable for receiving ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), visible, x-ray, and/or gamma ray radiation emanating from lightning or the like and generating visible radiation that may be detected and utilized to generate topological event information, such that property, human life, and the like may be safeguarded.

A device for estimating a position of a radioactive source, comprising: a holder; and at least two radiation detectors configured to generate a detection signal, the device being such that, each detector being assigned a position, the detectors are placed around an iso-centroid of each position, i.e., a centroid of each position equally weighted. The device also includes processing circuitry configured to compute a centroid of each position weighted by the detection signal measured by each detector; and depending on the centroid, estimate a direction pointing toward the source, corresponding to a direction between the device and the source.