Solid state neutron detector
First Claim
1. A low-cost device for the detection of neutrons comprising:
- A) a multi-layer structure comprising;
1) a plurality of thin layers of a material chosen for high absorption of neutrons with a corresponding release of ionizing particles interleaved with2) a plurality of thin layers of hydrogenated amorphous silicon PIN diodes,3) an electrical circuit adapted to connect at least a portion of the PIN diode layers in parallel;
wherein neutrons passing into the multi-layer structure are absorbed in the neutron absorbing material producing neutron reactions with the release of high energy ionizing particles which create electron-hole pairs in the PIN diode layers that are detected by the electrical circuit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A low-cost device for the detection of thermal neutrons. Thin layers of a material chosen for high absorption of neutrons with a corresponding release of ionizing particles are stacked in a multi-layer structure interleaved with thin layers of hydrogenated amorphous silicon PIN diodes. Some of the neutrons passing into the stack are absorbed in the neutron absorbing material producing neutron reactions with the release of high energy ionizing particles. These high-energy ionizing particles pass out of the neutron absorbing layers into the PIN diode layers creating electron-hole pairs in the intrinsic (I) layers of the diode layers; the electrons and holes are detected by the PIN diodes.
58 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A low-cost device for the detection of neutrons comprising:
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A) a multi-layer structure comprising; 1) a plurality of thin layers of a material chosen for high absorption of neutrons with a corresponding release of ionizing particles interleaved with 2) a plurality of thin layers of hydrogenated amorphous silicon PIN diodes, 3) an electrical circuit adapted to connect at least a portion of the PIN diode layers in parallel; wherein neutrons passing into the multi-layer structure are absorbed in the neutron absorbing material producing neutron reactions with the release of high energy ionizing particles which create electron-hole pairs in the PIN diode layers that are detected by the electrical circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification