Non-streaming high-efficiency perforated semiconductor neutron detectors, methods of making same and measuring wand and detector modules utilizing same
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for efficiently detecting neutrons, the apparatus comprising:
- a particle-detecting first substrate having top and back surfaces and including an array of sinuous fins spaced apart by a corresponding array of sinuous channels at the top surface, each of the channels having a depth, a width and a length greater than the width wherein each of the channels is sinuous along the length of the channel at the top surface and wherein each of the fins has a fin width and a fin length greater than the fin width and wherein each of the fins is sinuous along the fin length of the fin at the top surface; and
neutron-responsive material disposed in the array of sinuous channels, the material being responsive to neutrons absorbed thereby for releasing ionizing radiation reaction products wherein the sinuous shape of the fins and channels strengthens the fins and reduces neutron streaming effects whereby the apparatus has a relatively flat and uniform detection efficiency response.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Non-streaming high-efficiency perforated semiconductor neutron detectors, method of making same and measuring wands and detector modules utilizing same are disclosed. The detectors have improved mechanical structure, flattened angular detector responses, and reduced leakage current. A plurality of such detectors can be assembled into imaging arrays, and can be used for neutron radiography, remote neutron sensing, cold neutron imaging, SNM monitoring, and various other applications.
-
Citations
31 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for efficiently detecting neutrons, the apparatus comprising:
-
a particle-detecting first substrate having top and back surfaces and including an array of sinuous fins spaced apart by a corresponding array of sinuous channels at the top surface, each of the channels having a depth, a width and a length greater than the width wherein each of the channels is sinuous along the length of the channel at the top surface and wherein each of the fins has a fin width and a fin length greater than the fin width and wherein each of the fins is sinuous along the fin length of the fin at the top surface; and neutron-responsive material disposed in the array of sinuous channels, the material being responsive to neutrons absorbed thereby for releasing ionizing radiation reaction products wherein the sinuous shape of the fins and channels strengthens the fins and reduces neutron streaming effects whereby the apparatus has a relatively flat and uniform detection efficiency response. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A measuring wand comprising:
-
an elongated housing; and an apparatus for efficiently detecting neutrons mounted within the housing, the apparatus including; a particle-detecting substrate having top and back surfaces and including an array of sinuous fins spaced apart by a corresponding array of sinuous channels at the top surface, each of the channels having a depth, a width and a length greater than the width wherein each of the channels is sinuous along the length of the channel at the top surface and wherein each of the fins has a fin width and a fin length greater than the fin width and wherein each of the fins is sinuous along the fin length of the fin at the top surface; and neutron-responsive material disposed in the array of sinuous channels, the material being responsive to neutrons absorbed thereby for releasing ionizing radiation reaction products wherein the sinuous shape of the fins and channels strengthens the fins and reduces neutron streaming effects whereby the apparatus has a relatively flat and uniform detection efficiency response. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. A detector module for remote neutron sensing, the module comprising:
-
first apparatus for efficiently detecting neutrons, the apparatus including; a particle-detecting substrate having top and back surfaces and including an array of sinuous fins spaced apart by a corresponding array of sinuous channels at the top surface, each of the channels having a depth, a width and a length greater than the width wherein each of the channels is sinuous along the length of the channel at the top surface and wherein each of the fins has a fin width and a fin length greater than the fin width and wherein each of the fins is sinuous along the fin length of the fin at the top surface; and neutron-responsive material disposed in the array of sinuous channels, the material being responsive to neutrons absorbed thereby for releasing ionizing radiation reaction products wherein the sinuous shape of the fins and channels strengthens the fins and reduces neutron streaming effects whereby the apparatus has a relatively flat and uniform detection efficiency response; and means coupled to the first apparatus for determining a radiation unit of measure detected by the first apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
-
Specification