Radio Frequency Tamper Indicating Devices and RTG Power Source for Storage Monitoring Applications

We have developed an RF Tag capable of monitoring several parameters associated with control of sensative materials. In addition to indication of access to the containers using a fiber optic loop, the devices include motion sensors and other detectors to determine the status of the material. A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) has also been designed and a prototype constructed that will be able to power the RF tag far longer than batteries by using plutonium 238 as the heat source. The use of an RTG for power in storage facilities reduces the necessity of accessing the monitoring systems to replace chemically based power cells, allowing reduced radiation exposure to personnel and intrusive access to the storage site. Demonstration RF tags and RTG will be shown.