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Thermo Launches Line of Next-Generation Radiation Meters

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Thermo Launches Line of Next-Generation Radiation Meters

Pocket-Sized Instruments Provide High Sensitivity for Radiation Detection WALTHAM, MA (October 5, 2005) — Thermo Electron Corporation [NYSE:TMO], a leading provider of radiation detection and measurement devices, today unveiled two new hand-held radiation meters: the RadEye™ PRD (Personal Radiation Detector) and the RadEye G (Wide-range Gamma Survey Meter). The RadEye PRD is a high-sensitivity personal radiation detector that monitors for nuclear weapons, improvised nuclear devices (INDs) and/or radiological dispersal devices (RDDs or dirty bombs). Designed for use by first preventers (border guards, customs agents, special forces and counter terrorism teams), The RadEye G measures levels of ambient gamma doses for personal radiation protection of first responders (emergency services and law enforcement). Both performance-measuring devices serve to provide high sensitivity in a small, compact design. “The compact design of these meters allow for first preventers or first responders to carry them unobtrusively in public,” said Richard Oxford, director of security products at Thermo Electron. “However, not only are the radiation meters easy to transport, they also provide the highest sensitivity available in their size. We want our customers to have the functionality and sensitivity of a larger system in a pocket-sized design. With these new radiation meters, we have achieved this combination of form alongside superior functionality.”    RADEYE PRD When in search of nuclear weapons, INDs or RDDs, it is paramount that detectors have high sensitivity with high selectivity to reduce nuisance alarms. The RadEye PRD is 5,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than a typical electronic dosimeter. Thermo’s detectors achieve both high sensitivity and high selectivity through a special technique based upon patented Natural Background Rejection (NBR™) technology. The RadEye PRD is the only instrument of its type and size that is able to achieve these high standards.   "Orphan" source radiation is a dangerous global phenomena as traces of radiation sources show up unexpectedly in scrap yards, border crossings, or numerous other public locations and can be considered a significant potential threat. Thus, the RadEye PRD can be used by those who are responsible for detecting and localizing radiation sources, whether they are first preventers or first responders. The characteristic features of the RadEye PRD are the use of sophisticated low-power technology components; microprocessor-based functions and fully automatic self-checks that result in minimal required maintenance. The RadEye PRD incorporates a highly sensitive NaI (Tl) scintillation detector with a miniature photo-multiplier allowing the detection of very low radiation levels with particular emphasis on gamma emissions below 400 keV.    RADEYE G The RadEye G is a modern and lightweight, but very rugged instrument designed for the quick and reliable measurement of the ambient gamma dose rate from background level to 5 R/h. Again, the RadEye G represents a high-performance measuring device for first responders who are responsible for detecting and localizing radiation sources in response to an emergency event. All essential functions can be easily accessed even while wearing protective gloves and the alarm-LED can be seen while the instrument is worn in a belt-holster.   The instrument is also equipped with a built-in vibrator and an earphone-output for silent alarming or use in even the noisiest environments. As with the RadEye PRD, the characteristic features of the RadEye G are the use of sophisticated low-power technology components, microprocessor-based functions and fully automatic self-checks that result in minimal maintenance. The RadEye G incorporates a large energy compensated GM-tube for the precise dose rate measurement for gamma and x-rays. These combinations of the most advanced technologies enable this device to have extremely sensitive detection ability in a compact, easy-to-use design.   Ease-of-Use and Reliability These new pocket meters are designed in a compact shape that can be worn in a belt holder or be mounted to a wall or vehicle dashboard. Aside from their easy-to-store design, both the RadEye PRD and RadEye G can operate for approximately 600 hours on regular AAA-cell batteries, which means first responders or first preventers can feel secure knowing their monitoring system is always close by and fully charged.   The meters also allow for changes in configuration, occurring alarms or errors to be saved in their memory bank. These changes can be viewed via the “logbook” option, which appears as a table and can be printed or saved to a PC hard drive. All factory-set parameters can also be easily modified on either the RadEye PRD or RadEye G using an optional Windows™-based PC-software and an accompanying reader device. Additional features include: Windows Calibration/Communication software, Infrared Reader Station and cable, wall mount adapter and a charger. For more information on the RadEye PRD, the RadEye G or the rest of the Thermo Electron’s Radiation Measurement & Security family of products, please visit www.thermo.com/rmp. About Thermo Electron Corporation Thermo Electron Corporation is the world leader in analytical instruments. Our instrument solutions enable our customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place. Thermo's Life and Laboratory Sciences segment provides analytical instruments, scientific equipment, services and software solutions for life science, drug discovery, clinical, environmental and industrial laboratories. Thermo's Measurement and Control segment is dedicated to providing analytical instruments used in a variety of manufacturing processes and in-the-field applications, including those associated with safety and homeland security. Based near Boston, Massachusetts, Thermo has revenues of approximately $2.7 billion, and employs approximately 11,000 people in 30 countries. For more information, visit http://www.thermo.com.  

Contact Information:

Greg Wortman (505) 428-3460 greg.wortman@thermo.com www.thermo.com/rmp   Stefan Spazek (617) 275-6547 mailto:sspazek@greenoughcom.com