A groundbreaking mobile application, the Personal Alarm Assessment Tool (PAAT), has been developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in collaboration with the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. This innovative app enhances the safety of front-line officers at key entry points such as airports, border crossings, and major public events. PAAT enables officers to quickly assess alarms triggered by radiation detection systems, facilitating faster and more efficient responses to potential threats. Now available for public use, this app marks a significant advancement in global radiation safety.
The development of PAAT was made possible through a project funded by the IAEA, headquartered in Vienna, Austria. The project was coordinated by Dr. Nadeera Gunaratna, who currently serves as a consultant at the IAEA.
The Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, played a pivotal role in this project. Led by Prof. N. G. S. Shantha Gamage, the team included Dr. W. Wasanthi P. De Silva, Prof. W. K. I. L. Wanniarachchi, and Mr. B. H. Lakshitha M. Fernando. They were instrumental in simulating radiation data using the advanced Fluka software. These simulations were validated against experimental results obtained from Apeksha Hospital Maharagama, using instruments provided by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, ensuring the app’s accuracy and reliability in real-world scenarios. The project was funded by a grant from the IAEA to the Department of Physics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
PAAT offers significant benefits to both security personnel and the general public by empowering users with a tool to accurately assess radiation risks in a timely manner. The collaboration between Sri Lankan physicists and the IAEA underscores the international significance of this achievement and highlights Sri Lanka’s contributions to global safety technology.
This marks a monumental step forward in radiation detection technology, and the team behind its development deserves recognition for their expertise and dedication.
PAAT-IAEA – Apps on Google Play
