Rad Elec was incorporated in 1987 to manufacture and commercialize a product researched and developed under a contract with the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) throughout 1986 and 1987. The product was based on the principles of electret ion chambers, and was commercially introduced under the brand name E-PERM® System. Rad Elec owns six electret ion chamber related patents.

After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency evaluation, the product was released to the public for the measurement of indoor and outdoor radon concentrations. The product quickly gained a world-wide reputation as an accurate instrument for radon measurement. By 1993, the E-PERM® had become one of the most used and successful devices in the U.S. EPA's Radon Proficiency Program, and has remained so in later years.

Since that time, Rad Elec has continued to invest research and development in the diversified use of electret ion chambers with further funding from NYSERDA and the U.S. Department of Energy. Rad Elec has completed a number of CRADA (Cooperative Research and Development Agreements) programs with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This ongoing investment into research has led to several new applications.

Rad Elec staff members are co-authors of more than 50 electret ion chamber related papers published in many peer-reviewed scientific journals over the past 25 years. These various research projects have led to applied methodologies for neutron measurements, uranium exploration, and various ionizing radiation survey applications (including pre- and post-decomissioning and decontamination surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy).

Further research is also being carried out to apply the electret ion chamber technology for biomedical applications.

In addition to widespread use across the United States, this technology is being used internationally in more than 30 countries, including Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Israel, Italy, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Spain, and South Africa. Currently, one of the largest radon measurement programs is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service. It involves 150,000 radon measurements in 36,000 post office buildings, all employing E-PERMs®.

Our Team

Mr. Frederick R. Stieff, CEO

Rick has over 30 years of experience at Rad Elec. He has been closely involved with sales, marketing, production procedures, technical design, software development, and QA/QC policy implementation. He also works closely with other professionals, programmers, and technical engineers to continually design better products for Rad Elec's customers. As CEO, Rick serves as a key member of the company providing direction and oversight to all aspects of the business.

Dr. Payasada Kotrappa, Founder

Dr. Payasada Kotrappa passed away in 2017. He was the founder and former President of Rad Elec, and had been with the company since its inception back in 1987. Before Rad Elec, Dr. Kotrappa was a senior scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center in India. He was also an external professor of Physics at Bombay University, where he guided 10 students for MS and PhD programs. He had held a 5-year concurrent position as a Visiting Scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in the fields of health physics, ionizing radiation, and radon.

Alexandra Stieff, President

Alex has been with Rad Elec for over 15 years, and has been involved with all aspects of the business (including manufacturing, accounting, customer support, research and development, and QA/QC implementation). She is the president of the company, manages the day-to-day challenges of running a business, and handles all spiking and miscellaneous operations involving Rad Elec's radon chamber.

Kimberly Cage, Shipping

Kim has spent the last 30 years working for Rad Elec, where she has been involved in managing shipments, measurement and customer service, and assisting in the manufacturing of Rad Elec's products. She is currently in charge of both shipping and measurement services, and helps to ensure that our customers' orders reach their destination in a timely manner.

John M. Davis, Technical

John has worked at Rad Elec for over 15 years, where he has managed electret production. He is also in charge of SPER-1E Voltage Reader manufacturing and calibrations, and assists in research and development of new product lines. His technical expertise in a wide range of skillsets allows Rad Elec to keep functioning like a well-oiled machine.

Chandra Kotrappa, Production

Chandra has been with Rad Elec since its founding, and has helped to oversee electret and device production for several decades. Her knowledge and expertise in the electret manufacturing process is highly valued.

Michael Page, Production

Mike is responsible for electret manufacturing and quality assurance. His patience and attention to detail ensure that every electret undergoes rigorous testing.

Dr. Bertin Pérez, Physicist

Dr. Pérez earned his doctorate in Physics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. In addition to his background of nuclear physics, he has extensive experience with simulations. He is an invaluable member of Rad Elec's team, where he conducts R&D in addition to application development.

Lorin C. Stieff, Adjunct

Lorin helps out at Rad Elec by providing tech support, and is also responsible for the continued development of Rad Elec's software and manuals.