SiPM-BASED RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

The invention discloses a SiPM-based radiation detection systems and methods. According to the invention, techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) based radiation detectors to detect radiation in an environment. A SiPM-based radiation detection system may include a number of detector assemblies, each including at least one scintillator providing light to a corresponding SiPM in response to ionizing radiation entering the scintillator. The radiation detection system may include a logic device and a number of other electronic modules to facilitate reporting, calibration, and other processes. The logic device may be adapted to process detection signals from the SiPMs to implement different types of radiation detection procedures. The logic device may also be adapted to use a communication module to report detected radiation to an indicator, a display, and / or a user interface.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 909,311, filed November 26, 2013, and entitled "SiPM-BASEDRADIATION DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] One or more embodiments of the invention relate generally to radiation detection systems, and more particularly, for example, to systems and methods for detecting radiation using SiPM-based sensors. Background technique [0004] Scintillation radiation detectors have routinely used photomultiplier tube (PMT) technology developed in the 1930s. However, PMTs are labor-intensive, expensive to manufacture, and have several disadvantages in terms of mechanical shock, magnetic interference, high voltage (e.g., 1000 V or higher) requirements, and photocathode degradation due to exposure to ambient light during fabrication. . [0005] Attempts have been made to re...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, PMTs are labor-intensive, expensive to manufacture, and have several disadvantages in terms of mechanical shock, magnetic interference, high voltage (e.g., 1000 V or higher) requirements, and photocathode degradation due to exposure to ambient light during fabrication.

[0005] Attempts have been made to replace PMTs with similar, less fragile components, but such replacements generally suffer from reduced sensitivity, high levels of thermal drift, and / or large, complex and expensive electronic amplification circuits

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