1Overview
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.
| Detector | Size | Energy 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 |


4Specifications
Detection and Performance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Detection type | Gamma and Neutron (optional) |
| Detector size | 1.5×1.5, 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 channel | 10 bit, 1024 channel |
| Dose rate range | 0 to 10 mR/h (NaI), 10 mR/h to 10 R/h (GM) |
| Stabilization | Automatic real-time stabilization using K-40 |
| Nuclide identification | According to ANSI N42.34, isotope / category / confidence report |
| Battery | More than 8 hours, lithium ion |
Input / Output
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| USB | Micro USB 2.0, IP65 |
| Camera | CMOS 13.0 MP |
| GPS | Built-in GPS in smartphone |
| AC adapter | 12V, 3A |
| Speaker | 84 dB (1W / 0.5 m), water proof |
| Display | 5 inch touch screen |
Physical
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| 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 weight | 25 lb |
Environmental
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature | -15°C (5°F) to 50°C (122°F) |
| Relative humidity | 10 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

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 choice | Options |
|---|---|
| Crystal | NaI(Tl) standard; LaBr3 or CeBr3 optional |
| Detector size | 1.5×1.5, 2×2, or 3×3 inch |
| Neutron detection | None; solid-state; or 3He (optional) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB; RadResponder enabled |
