A new handheld sensor is promising to bring high-tech threat detection to your pocket. Dubbed the EM/GAMMALERT (patent pending), the device can detect and record a wide range of rare but potentially serious events. Ultraview, the company that is debuting the device, claims that the EM/GAMMALERT can detect everything from microwave-directed energy weapons (DEWs) and electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) to nuclear radiation and atmospheric gamma ray bursts.

This compact four-ounce tool is designed for first responders, government agencies, researchers, and even members of the public concerned with growing unconventional threats. Among its standout features is the ability to identify high-powered microwave bursts such as the sort speculated to play a role in Havana Syndrome. It can apparently also distinguish between natural background gamma radiation and intense, brief terrestrial gamma flashes (TGFs), which are known to occur during thunderstorms and can expose airline passengers and crews to radiation.

The device works by using a combination of wideband antennas and radiation sensors to detect both electromagnetic and ionizing radiation events. When triggered, it issues visual and audio alarms and logs precise waveform data. Users can then analyze the data on a computer or upload to a global cloud database for further research. Embedded AI algorithms help classify the threats and flag potential patterns.

Ultraview President Dr. Joel Libove says the EM/GAMMALERT offers a level of awareness and data collection that hasn’t been available before in a portable form. “This device gives users a chance to see what’s happening in real time—and contribute to a global dataset that could help researchers understand everything from gamma bursts in thunderstorms to the possible use of directed energy weapons.”

The device can detect RF bursts as short as 300 nanoseconds, which is a duration far too brief for most commercial or wearable detectors. After detection, it can log them with time-aligned gamma data, offering insights into both natural and man-made events, including nuclear activity.

Ultraview’s VP of Engineering Mike Ingle adds that the miniaturization of high-speed detectors and radiation sensors was no small feat. The team packed a gamma scintillator, fast amplifiers, and enough memory to store 1,000 timestamped events into a single, USB-connectable pocket unit.

While there’s still no definitive proof that microwave weapons are behind reported cases like Havana Syndrome, wide deployment of tools like EM/GAMMALERT could help provide more clear answers. And with commercial availability planned, it may soon be possible for airline crews, researchers, and even curious civilians to monitor radiation spikes and energy pulses in real time—bringing rare and mysterious phenomena into sharper focus.

When available, the EM/GAMMALERT is expected to cost just under $600 and fit in the palm of your hand.◊