Neutron detector
First Claim
1. A neutron detector for measuring neutron radiation comprising:
- a) at least first and second photodetectors mounted in a spaced relationship and working in electrical coincidence;
b) a gap formed between the at least first and second photodetectors;
c) a substance disposed within the gap which permits scintillation in the absorption of thermal neutron radiation; and
d) a flash of light is detected by the least first and second photodetectors and is measured by the photodetectors if a comparator electrically coupled to the at least first and second photodetectors determines that the photodetectors measured the flash of light at the approximate same time and an amplitude of a signal of the flash of light is approximately the same.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A neutron detector is provided which is able to measure thermal neutron radiation within a gap filled with a substance that permits scintillation in the absorption of thermal neutron radiation, the gap being formed between at least a first and second spaced apart photodetector working in electrical coincidence. The substance disposed within the gap can be either a gas, liquid or solid. In the case of a gas, a shell is used so that the gas can be retained and kept under pressure. The neutron detector is able to differentiate between gamma radiation and neutron energy. An alternate embodiment of the novel detector includes a device which employs a plurality of detectors surrounding a moderator which can be used to measure both thermal and high energy neutrons.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A neutron detector for measuring neutron radiation comprising:
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a) at least first and second photodetectors mounted in a spaced relationship and working in electrical coincidence;
b) a gap formed between the at least first and second photodetectors;
c) a substance disposed within the gap which permits scintillation in the absorption of thermal neutron radiation; and
d) a flash of light is detected by the least first and second photodetectors and is measured by the photodetectors if a comparator electrically coupled to the at least first and second photodetectors determines that the photodetectors measured the flash of light at the approximate same time and an amplitude of a signal of the flash of light is approximately the same. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A neutron detector for measuring neutron radiation comprising:
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a) at least first and second photodetectors mounted in a spaced relationship and working in electrical coincidence;
b) a gap formed between the at least first and second photodetectors;
c) a pressure-tight sealed enclosure surrounding the at least first and second photodetectors;
c) a pressurized gas disposed within the gap which permits scintillation in the absorption of thermal neutron radiation; and
d) a flash of light is detected by the least first and second photodetectors and is measured by the photodetectors if a comparator electrically coupled to the at least first and second photodetectors determines that the photodetectors measured the flash of light at the approximate same time and an amplitude of a signal of the flash of light is approximately the same. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A neutron detector for measuring thermal and high energy neutron radiation comprising:
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a) at least a first layer of detecting units, each detecting unit having at least a first and second photodetector mounted in a spaced relationship, working in electrical coincidence and forming a gap therebetween;
b) a substance disposed within the gap which permits scintillation in the absorption of thermal neutron radiation;
c) at least one moderator substance contained within an enclosure for reducing the energy level of all high energy neutron radiation;
d) the at least first layer of detecting units surrounding the at least one moderator contained with the enclosure; and
e) the at least first layer of detecting units measuring all thermal neutron radiation as it first enters the neutron detector before it reaches the at least one moderator, and all high energy neutron radiation after it passes through the at least first set of detecting units, enters the at least one moderator and is reduced to thermal neutron radiation and attempts to exit through the at least first set of detecting units. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A neutron detector for measuring thermal and high energy neutron radiation comprising:
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a) a first and second layer of detecting units, each detecting unit having at least a first and second photodetector mounted in a spaced relationship, working in electrical coincidence and forming a gap therebetween;
b) a substance disposed within the gap which permits scintillation in the absorption of thermal neutron radiation;
c) at least one moderator substance contained within an enclosure for reducing the energy level of all high energy neutron radiation;
d) the first layer of detecting units surrounding the at least one moderator contained with the enclosure; and
e) the second layer of detecting units surrounding the first layer of detecting units. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification