A spaceborne space neutron detection device and method based on CLYC scintillator

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of space particle measurement, in particular to a spaceborne space neutron detection device and method based on a CLYC scintillator, the detection device comprising a neutron detection unit, an ADC signal acquisition module, a data receiving and processing module, a memory module and an anticoincidence discrimination module; the method first determines whether a trigger signal is generated according to the response of the CLYC detection module and the anticoincidence detection module by the anticoincidence discrimination module; if only the CLYC detection module responds, the trigger signal is generated, and the analog-digital conversion of the response signal of the CLYC detection module is started; the converted signal is processed, and the neutron or gamma ray is discriminated; if it is a neutron signal, the signal data is stored. The application can avoid the interference of other charged particles or gamma rays when detecting neutrons, achieve high-precision n-gamma discrimination, and effectively realize the anti-radiation and miniaturized space detection application requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of space particle measurement technology, and in particular to a spaceborne space neutron detection device and method based on a CLYC scintillator. Background Technology

[0002] During satellite operation, the space environment is complex and harsh. Neutrons present in orbit interact with spacecraft materials, inducing displacement damage and single-event effects, leading to material degradation or even failure, damaging electronic components, and posing a serious threat to the spacecraft's on-orbit operation. Furthermore, neutrons have strong penetrating power into human tissue, causing biological hazards more severe than equivalent doses of charged particles and gamma rays, potentially leading to pathological changes in internal tissues or cells. Therefore, to ensure the stable and reliable operation of spacecraft and the safety of astronauts, obtaining data on the energy and flux of space neutrons and accurately analyzing the characteristics of the space neutron radiation environment is of significant engineering and scientific importance.

[0003] Internationally, the development of space neutron detectors began relatively early and the technology is quite mature. In 1998, NASA's Lunar Prospector carried a neutron spectrometer; in 2000, the International Space Station carried a neutron spectrometer to monitor the neutron environment inside and outside the module; in 2001, the Mars Odyssey carried a high-energy neutron detector; in 2009, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter carried the Lunar Reconnaissance Neutron Detector; and in 2012, NASA launched the Advanced Neutron Spectrometer project, which uses lithium compounds added to glass fibers for neutron detection. my country's Chang'e-4 lunar probe, launched in 2018, carried the Sino-German collaborative Lunar Surface Neutron and Radiation Dose Detector, achieving on-site detection of the neutron radiation environment on the lunar surface.

[0004] However, the existing technology still has the following shortcomings: (1) poor radiation resistance: traditional detectors are mainly suitable for weak radiation environments on the ground and are difficult to withstand strong radiation environments in space; (2) narrow energy detection range: most detectors are only for single energy regions of thermal neutrons or fast neutrons; (3) limited n-γ discrimination capability: γ-rays and neutrons coexist in complex space environments, and traditional detectors are difficult to achieve high-precision discrimination; (4) low integration of space applications: existing CLYC detectors are mostly designed for ground or nuclear industry applications and lack compact, radiation-resistant design requirements specifically for space payloads. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical defects and propose a spaceborne space neutron detection device and method based on CLYC scintillator. The full name of CLYC scintillator is cerium-doped yttrium oxychloride lithium crystal, with the chemical formula Cs2LiYCl6:Ce. CLYC is an artificial crystal containing the 6Li (lithium-6) isotope, sealed in a moisture-proof shell to prevent its hygroscopic chemical properties.

[0006] The system employs a dual particle identification mechanism that combines anti-coincidence detection and pulse shape discrimination, which can effectively eliminate interference from charged particles and gamma rays in space, enabling wide-spectrum and high-efficiency detection of thermal neutrons and fast neutrons, and meeting the monitoring needs of neutron radiation environment for different satellite orbits and deep space extreme environment exploration missions.

[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator, comprising: The neutron detection module uses CLYC scintillator as the detection material to generate a voltage pulse signal when a neutron or gamma ray is detected from the incident particle. After amplification, the signal is sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. The anti-coincidence detection module generates a voltage pulse signal when a charged particle is detected from the incident particle, which is then amplified and sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. The anti-coincidence discrimination module is used to determine that the incident particle contains charged particles and terminate signal processing when voltage pulse signals are received simultaneously from the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module; when only the voltage pulse signal from the neutron detection module is received, it determines that the incident particle contains only neutrons or gamma rays and generates a trigger signal to start the ADC signal acquisition module. The ADC signal acquisition module is used to convert the voltage pulse signal from the neutron detection module into a digital signal and send it to the data receiving and processing module; and The data receiving and processing module is used to distinguish digital signals based on the different pulse shapes of neutrons and gamma rays. If it is determined to be a neutron signal, it records the energy deposition spectrum information of the secondary charged particles generated by the neutron entering the neutron detection module and forms a data packet to be sent to the memory module; if it is determined to be a gamma ray, it terminates the signal processing.

[0008] As an improvement to the above-mentioned device, it also includes: a memory module for storing data packets generated by the data receiving and processing module.

[0009] As an improvement to the above-mentioned device, the neutron detection module further includes: a photoelectric conversion multiplier and a transimpedance amplifier circuit.

[0010] As an improvement to the above-mentioned device, the photoelectric conversion multiplier is a SiPM array.

[0011] As an improvement to the above-mentioned device, the anti-coincidence detection module includes: The anti-coincident scintillator is made of plastic and is wrapped in a packaged CLYC scintillator. It is divided into two parts, upper and lower bottom, and the two parts use independent light guides to output to the light guide device via optical coupler. A light-extracting device is used to convert the optical signal generated by the anti-coincidence scintillator into an electrical signal, which is then output to a charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit; and The charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit is used to convert the electrical signal output by the silicon photodiode into a voltage pulse signal and amplify it before outputting it to the main amplifier circuit.

[0012] As an improvement to the above-mentioned device, the light-emitting device is a silicon photodiode.

[0013] As an improvement to the above-mentioned device, the main amplifier circuit is connected to the outputs of the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module, and is used to further amplify the signals of the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module before outputting them to the anti-coincidence discrimination module.

[0014] As an improvement to the aforementioned device, the neutron detection device is installed in a closed housing formed by a shielding shell and two shielding shell bottom covers, wherein... Between the first shielding shell bottom cover and the second shielding shell bottom cover, a digital circuit board, an analog circuit board, and an anti-coincident scintillator wrapped in a packaged CLYC scintillator body are respectively installed and fixed on the shielding shell. The anti-coincident scintillator body is fixed between the second shielding shell bottom cover and the anti-coincident scintillator body fixing groove. A light-exiting device is set on the anti-coincident scintillator body, and a photoelectric conversion multiplier device is set on the CLYC scintillator body. The ADC signal acquisition module, data receiving and processing module, and memory module are mounted on the digital circuit board. The transimpedance amplifier circuit of the neutron detection module, the charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit of the anti-coincidence detection module, the main amplifier circuit, and the anti-coincidence discrimination module are mounted on an analog circuit board.

[0015] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a spaceborne neutron detection method based on a CLYC scintillator, including: Step 1: When the neutron detection module detects neutrons or gamma rays from the incident particles, it generates a voltage pulse signal, which is amplified and sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. In parallel, when the anti-coincidence detection module detects a charged particle from the incident particle, it generates a voltage pulse signal, which is amplified and then sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. Step 2: When the anti-coincidence discrimination module receives voltage pulse signals from both the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module, it determines that the incident particle contains charged particles and terminates the signal processing; when the anti-coincidence discrimination module only receives voltage pulse signals from the neutron detection module, it determines that the incident particle contains only neutrons or gamma rays and generates a trigger signal to start the ADC signal acquisition module. Step 4: The ADC signal acquisition module converts the voltage pulse signal from the neutron detection module into a digital signal and sends it to the data receiving and processing module. Step 5: The data receiving and processing module distinguishes the digital signal based on the different pulse shapes of neutrons and gamma rays. If it is determined to be a neutron signal, the energy deposition spectrum information of the secondary charged particles generated by the neutron entering the neutron detection module is recorded and a data packet is sent to the memory module; if it is determined to be a gamma ray, the signal processing is terminated. As an improvement to the above method, in step 6, the memory module stores the data packets generated by the data receiving and processing module.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: Broad spectrum detection capability: CLYC contains simultaneously 6 Li (thermal neutron-sensitive nuclide) and 35 Cl (fast neutron-sensitive nuclide) can detect both thermal neutrons and fast neutrons; High efficiency: For thermal neutrons, the intrinsic efficiency of CLYC per unit volume is conventional. 3 He is approximately 6.45 times that of a counting tube; Strong n-γ discrimination capability: Utilizing the unique CVL luminescence characteristics of CLYC and combining pulse shape discrimination technology, excellent n-γ discrimination performance is achieved; Anti-charged particle interference: The anti-coincidence design of CLYC, which is wrapped with a plastic scintillator, effectively eliminates the interference of charged particles in space; Space environment adaptability: Solid-state scintillators combined with SiPM readout offer better radiation resistance and high integration, making them suitable for satellite payload applications. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a circuit block diagram of a space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator according to the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the working logic of the anti-counterfeiting verification module; Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating the workflow of a spaceborne neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure label: 1. Shielding shell bottom cover; 2. Digital circuit board 3. Analog circuit board 4. Light extraction device 5. Photoelectric conversion multiplier device 6. CLYC neutron detection material 7. Anti-coincidence scintillator 8. Shielding shell 9. Anti-coincident scintillator fixing slot; 10. Analog circuit board mounting holes. 11. Digital circuit board mounting holes Detailed Implementation

[0019] The advantages of CLYC in neutron detection are: high detection efficiency, with its intrinsic efficiency for thermal neutron detection far exceeding that of traditional methods. 3 Hexagonal tubes; capable of detecting a wide range of neutron energies, containing... 6 Li is a thermally sensitive nuclide. 35 Cl is a fast neutron-sensitive nuclide; it exhibits extremely fast core valence luminescence (CVL) under gamma-ray excitation, but this component is absent under neutron excitation, thus possessing strong neutron-gamma discrimination capability.

[0020] The working principle of the spaceborne neutron detector based on CLYC scintillators is as follows: The orbital space environment in which satellites operate is complex, containing not only neutral radiation particles such as neutrons and gamma rays, but also a large number of charged radiation particles such as electrons, protons, and heavy ions. When using CLYC scintillators for space neutron detection, anti-coincidence detection is employed to eliminate the influence of charged particles in the space environment.

[0021] When a space particle enters the detector, if it is a charged particle, it will generate a signal in both the anti-coincidence scintillator and the CLYC scintillator. The anti-coincidence discrimination module will identify this signal as invalid and will not generate a trigger signal. If it is a neutral particle, it will only generate a signal in the CLYC scintillator. The anti-coincidence discrimination module will then generate a trigger signal to start the ADC acquisition. The ADC performs analog-to-digital conversion on the voltage pulse signal generated by the CLYC scintillator, forming a digital signal that is transmitted to the data receiving and processing module.

[0022] The anti-coincidence discrimination module eliminates interference from charged particles, but the CLYC scintillator responds to both neutrons and gamma rays. Therefore, the data receiving and processing module needs to perform further neutron / gamma discrimination on the signal recorded by the ADC. Under gamma ray irradiation, the CLYC scintillator exhibits a fast-emission component with a very short decay time—core valence emission (CVL); under neutron excitation, it does not produce CVL, but instead produces self-trapped exciton emission with a longer decay time. Therefore, the pulse signal output by gamma rays has a faster rise and decay time. Based on this difference, the data receiving and processing module performs pulse shape discrimination to effectively separate neutrons and gamma rays, and stores the valid neutron signal for subsequent energy spectrum inversion.

[0023] The invention method of the spaceborne space neutron detection device based on CLYC scintillator is as follows: First, the anti-coincidence discrimination module determines whether to generate a trigger signal based on the responses of the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module. Then, the trigger signal activates the ADC data acquisition module to acquire and process the signal from the neutron detection module. Finally, the acquired and processed signal is distinguished between neutrons and gamma rays to determine whether the detected signal is a neutron signal and whether the data should be saved. The method specifically includes the following steps: 1) First, the anti-coincidence discrimination module determines whether to generate a trigger signal based on the responses of the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module: if both the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module respond simultaneously, it indicates that there are charged particles in the incident particles, and the signal processing terminates; if only the neutron detection module responds, but the anti-coincidence detection module does not respond, it indicates that there are no charged particles in the incident particles, only neutrons or gamma rays, and a trigger signal is generated to initiate the analog-to-digital conversion of the response signal of the neutron detection module. 2) The converted signal is processed and neutron or gamma ray is identified. If it is a neutron signal, the signal data is stored; if it is not a neutron signal, the signal processing is terminated.

[0024] Example 1 This embodiment provides a spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator. The space neutron detection device includes: a CLYC scintillator-based neutron detection module, an anti-coincidence detection module, an anti-coincidence discrimination module, an ADC signal acquisition module, a data receiving and processing module, a memory module, and a shielding shell bottom cover 1. The bottom cover is closer to the digital circuit board 2 and further away from the digital circuit board 2. The device also includes a shielding shell 8, an anti-coincidence scintillator fixing groove 9, an analog circuit board mounting hole 10, and a digital circuit board mounting hole 11. The shielding shell is equipped with a neutron detection module and an anti-coincidence detection module; the neutron detection module includes a CLYC neutron detection material 6, a photoelectric conversion multiplier device 5, and a transimpedance amplifier circuit; the anti-coincidence detection module includes an anti-coincidence scintillator 7, a light extraction device 4, and a pre-charge amplifier circuit. The neutron detection module is used to generate a voltage pulse signal when a neutron or gamma ray is detected, and to amplify it. The CLYC neutron detector material 6, specifically a CLYC scintillation crystal with the chemical formula Cs₂LiYCl₆:Ce, is used to generate an optical signal upon incident neutron or gamma rays. The photoelectric conversion multiplier device 5 converts the optical signal generated by the CLYC neutron detector material 6 into a voltage pulse signal and outputs the voltage pulse signal to the transimpedance amplifier circuit. The transimpedance amplifier circuit pre-amplifies the received voltage pulse signal and outputs the amplified voltage pulse signal to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. The CLYC scintillator is encapsulated in a shielding shell, the reflective layer is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, and the output surface is a quartz window. The light signal generated by the CLYC scintillator is led out through the quartz window on the output surface and then output to the photoelectric conversion multiplier device via an optical coupler.

[0025] The photoelectric conversion multiplier is a SiPM array.

[0026] The anti-coincidence detection module is used to generate a voltage pulse signal when a charged particle is detected, and to amplify it. The anti-coincidence scintillator 7 in the anti-coincidence detection module is fixed between the shielding shell bottom cover 1 and the anti-coincidence scintillator fixing groove 9. The CLYC neutron detection material 6 is disposed inside the anti-coincidence scintillator 7, so that the anti-coincidence scintillator 7 is wrapped around the encapsulated CLYC neutron detection material 6. The transimpedance amplifier circuit, the pre-charge amplifier circuit and the main amplifier circuit are disposed on the analog circuit board 3. The anti-coincidence scintillator 7 is used to generate an optical signal when charged particles are incident; the light-exiting device 4 is used to convert the optical signal generated by the anti-coincidence scintillator 7 into an electrical signal and output it to the charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit; the charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit is used to convert the electrical signal output by the light-exiting device into a voltage pulse signal, amplify it, and output it to the main amplifier circuit; the main amplifier circuit is used to further amplify the voltage pulse signal output by the charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit and output it to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. The anti-coincidence scintillator is a plastic scintillator.

[0027] The anti-coincidence scintillator is wrapped around the encapsulated CLYC scintillator and is divided into upper and lower bottom parts, with each part using independent light output.

[0028] The light-emitting device of the anti-coincidence scintillator is a silicon photodiode.

[0029] The anti-coincidence discrimination module is connected to the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module respectively, and is used to receive signals from the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module; The anti-coincidence discrimination module, mounted on the analog circuit board 3, receives voltage pulse signals from the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module. When the anti-coincidence discrimination module receives signals from both the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module simultaneously, the system determines that the incident particles contain charged particles, discards the signal, and terminates signal processing. When the anti-coincidence discrimination module receives only the signal from the neutron detection module and not the signal from the anti-coincidence detection module, the system determines that the incident particles contain only neutrons or gamma rays, and the anti-coincidence discrimination module generates a trigger signal to activate the ADC data acquisition module, which acquires the signal from the neutron detection module and performs subsequent processing. The analog circuit board 3 is fixed inside the shielding shell 8 through the analog circuit board mounting holes 10. When the anti-coincidence discrimination module receives signals from both the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module simultaneously, the system determines that the incident particles contain charged particles, discards the signal, and terminates signal processing. When the anti-coincidence discrimination module receives only a signal from the neutron detection module and no signal from the anti-coincidence detection module, the system determines that the incident particles contain only neutrons or gamma rays. In this case, the anti-coincidence discrimination module generates a trigger signal to start the ADC data acquisition module, which acquires the signal from the neutron detection module and performs subsequent processing.

[0030] The ADC data acquisition module is used to convert the voltage pulse signal generated by the neutron detection module into a digital signal and transmit it to the data receiving and processing module. The ADC data acquisition module, data receiving and processing module, and memory module are mounted on the digital circuit board 2. The digital circuit board 2 is fixed inside the shielding shell 8 through the digital circuit board mounting holes 11. After receiving the trigger signal from the anti-coincidence discrimination module, the ADC data acquisition module is used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the voltage pulse signal output by the neutron detection module and transmit the converted digital signal to the data receiving and processing module. The data receiving and processing module is used to receive the digital signal output by the ADC data acquisition module and distinguish between neutrons and gamma rays in the signal. If the signal is a neutron signal, the energy deposition spectrum information of the secondary charged particles generated by the neutron entering the detection system is recorded and a data packet is formed and sent to the memory module. If the signal is not a neutron, the signal processing is terminated. The memory module is used to store the data packets generated by the data receiving and processing module; The shielding shell 8 and the bottom cover 1 of the shielding shell form a shielding space to prevent electromagnetic interference.

[0031] Example 2 This embodiment provides a spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator, the device comprising: like Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the space neutron detection unit based on a CLYC scintillator proposed in this invention. The shielding shell 8 and two shielding shell bottom covers 1 form a shielding unit; the shielding shell bottom covers 1 form a closed space with the shielding shell 8 through mounting holes; the anti-coincidence scintillator 7 is fixed between the shielding shell bottom cover 1 and the anti-coincidence scintillator fixing groove 9, and the CLYC neutron detection material 6 is disposed inside the anti-coincidence scintillator 7, so that the anti-coincidence scintillator 7 is wrapped around the encapsulated CLYC neutron detection material 6.

[0032] In the neutron detection module, the neutron detection material is a CLYC scintillator. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it is encapsulated in an aluminum shell. The reflective layer is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. The generated optical signal is led out through a quartz window on the output surface and output to the SiPM via an optical coupler. The SiPM is used to convert the optical signal generated by the CLYC scintillator into a voltage pulse signal, which is then output to the transimpedance amplifier circuit. The transimpedance amplifier circuit is used to pre-amplify the electrical signal converted from the SiPM and convert it into a voltage pulse signal, which is then transmitted to the anti-coincidence discrimination module and the ADC data acquisition system.

[0033] In the anti-coincidence detection module, the anti-coincidence scintillator is a plastic scintillator encapsulated in a packaged CLYC scintillator, consisting of upper and lower bottom parts. These two parts employ independent light output methods, connecting to a silicon photodiode via an optical coupler. The silicon photodiode converts the optical signal generated by the anti-coincidence scintillator into an electrical signal, which is then output to a charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit. The charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit converts the electrical signal output from the silicon photodiode into a voltage pulse signal and amplifies it before outputting it to the main amplifier circuit. The main amplifier circuit further amplifies the signal before outputting it to the anti-coincidence discrimination module.

[0034] The transimpedance amplifier circuit, pre-charge amplifier circuit, main amplifier circuit, and anti-coincidence discrimination module are mounted on the analog circuit board 3 and fixed inside the shielding shell 8 through the analog circuit board mounting holes 10; the ADC data acquisition module, data receiving and processing module, memory module, communication interface unit, and power conversion unit are mounted on the digital circuit board 2 and fixed inside the shielding shell 8 through the digital circuit board mounting holes 11.

[0035] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a circuit block diagram. When the detection system is turned on, an incident particle enters the detection system. When the anti-coincidence discrimination module receives signals from both the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module, it indicates that the incident particle is a charged particle, and the anti-coincidence discrimination module does not generate a trigger signal. When the anti-coincidence discrimination module only receives a signal from the neutron detection module, it indicates that the incident particle is a neutron or gamma ray, and a trigger signal is generated.

[0036] like Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates the working logic of the anti-coincidence detection module. When the CLYC signal transmitted by the neutron detection module is received but no anti-coincidence signal is received, the anti-coincidence detection module generates a trigger signal, causing the ADC data acquisition system to start working, perform analog-to-digital conversion on the CLYC signal, and transmit the digital signal to the data receiving and processing module for further processing.

[0037] like Figure 4 The diagram shows the workflow. After an incident particle enters the detection system, the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module respond according to the particle type. The anti-coincidence discrimination module determines whether to generate a trigger signal based on the response. The generated trigger signal initiates ADC conversion, transmitting the digital signal to the data receiving and processing module for neutron / gamma identification. If it is a neutron, it is stored in the memory; otherwise, the data is not saved.

[0038] As can be seen from the above detailed description of the present invention, the detection device of the present invention improves the neutron detection efficiency and energy resolution by selecting neutron detection materials suitable for space applications, achieving high-precision n-γ discrimination, and effectively meeting the requirements of radiation-resistant and miniaturized space detection applications.

[0039] Example 3 This embodiment provides a spaceborne neutron detection method based on a CLYC scintillator, including: Step 1: When the neutron detection module detects neutrons or gamma rays from the incident particles, it generates a voltage pulse signal, which is amplified and sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. In parallel, when the anti-coincidence detection module detects a charged particle from the incident particle, it generates a voltage pulse signal, which is amplified and then sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. Step 2: When the anti-coincidence discrimination module receives voltage pulse signals from both the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module, it determines that the incident particle contains charged particles and terminates the signal processing; when the anti-coincidence discrimination module only receives voltage pulse signals from the neutron detection module, it determines that the incident particle contains only neutrons or gamma rays and generates a trigger signal to start the ADC signal acquisition module. Step 4: The ADC signal acquisition module converts the voltage pulse signal from the neutron detection module into a digital signal and sends it to the data receiving and processing module. Step 5: The data receiving and processing module distinguishes the digital signal based on the different pulse shapes of neutrons and gamma rays. If it is determined to be a neutron signal, the energy deposition spectrum information of the secondary charged particles generated by the neutron entering the neutron detection module is recorded and a data packet is sent to the memory module; if it is determined to be a gamma ray, the signal processing is terminated. Step 6: The memory module stores the data packets generated by the data receiving and processing module.

[0040] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spaceborne neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator, characterized in that, include: The neutron detection module uses CLYC scintillator as the detection material to generate a voltage pulse signal when a neutron or gamma ray is detected from the incident particle. After amplification, the signal is sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. The anti-coincidence detection module generates a voltage pulse signal when a charged particle is detected from the incident particle, which is then amplified and sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. The anti-coincidence discrimination module is used to determine that the incident particle contains charged particles and terminate signal processing when voltage pulse signals are received simultaneously from the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module; when only the voltage pulse signal from the neutron detection module is received, it determines that the incident particle contains only neutrons or gamma rays and generates a trigger signal to start the ADC signal acquisition module. The ADC signal acquisition module is used to convert the voltage pulse signal from the neutron detection module into a digital signal and send it to the data receiving and processing module. and The data receiving and processing module is used to distinguish digital signals based on the different pulse shapes of neutrons and gamma rays. If it is determined to be a neutron signal, it records the energy deposition spectrum information of the secondary charged particles generated by the neutron entering the neutron detection module and forms a data packet to be sent to the memory module; if it is determined to be a gamma ray, it terminates the signal processing.

2. The spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The memory module is used to store data packets generated by the data receiving and processing module.

3. The spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The neutron detection module also includes a photoelectric conversion multiplier and a transimpedance amplifier circuit.

4. The spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion multiplier is a SiPM array.

5. The spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The anti-coincidence detection module includes: The anti-coincident scintillator is made of plastic and is wrapped in a packaged CLYC scintillator. It is divided into two parts, upper and lower bottom, and the two parts use independent light guides to output to the light guide device via optical coupler. A light-extracting device is used to convert the optical signal generated by the anti-coincidence scintillator into an electrical signal, which is then output to a charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit; and The charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit is used to convert the electrical signal output by the silicon photodiode into a voltage pulse signal and amplify it before outputting it to the main amplifier circuit.

6. The spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The light-emitting device is a silicon photodiode.

7. The spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The main amplifier circuit is connected to the outputs of the neutron detection module and the anti-coincidence detection module. It is used to further amplify the signals from the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module, and then output them to the anti-coincidence discrimination module.

8. The spaceborne space neutron detection device based on a CLYC scintillator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The neutron detection device is installed in a closed housing formed by a shielding shell and two shielding shell bottom covers, wherein, Between the first shielding shell bottom cover and the second shielding shell bottom cover, a digital circuit board, an analog circuit board, and an anti-coincident scintillator wrapped in a packaged CLYC scintillator body are respectively installed and fixed on the shielding shell. The anti-coincident scintillator body is fixed between the second shielding shell bottom cover and the anti-coincident scintillator body fixing groove. A light-exiting device is set on the anti-coincident scintillator body, and a photoelectric conversion multiplier device is set on the CLYC scintillator body. The ADC signal acquisition module, data receiving and processing module, and memory module are mounted on the digital circuit board. The transimpedance amplifier circuit of the neutron detection module, the charge-sensitive preamplifier circuit of the anti-coincidence detection module, the main amplifier circuit, and the anti-coincidence discrimination module are mounted on an analog circuit board.

9. A spaceborne neutron detection method based on a CLYC scintillator, implemented using the spaceborne neutron detection device according to any one of claims 2-8, the method comprising: Step 1: When the neutron detection module detects neutrons or gamma rays from the incident particles, it generates a voltage pulse signal, which is amplified and sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. In parallel, when the anti-coincidence detection module detects a charged particle from the incident particle, it generates a voltage pulse signal, which is amplified and then sent to the anti-coincidence discrimination module. Step 2: When the anti-coincidence discrimination module receives voltage pulse signals from both the anti-coincidence detection module and the neutron detection module, it determines that the incident particle contains charged particles and terminates the signal processing; when the anti-coincidence discrimination module only receives voltage pulse signals from the neutron detection module, it determines that the incident particle contains only neutrons or gamma rays and generates a trigger signal to start the ADC signal acquisition module. Step 4: The ADC signal acquisition module converts the voltage pulse signal from the neutron detection module into a digital signal and sends it to the data receiving and processing module. Step 5: The data receiving and processing module distinguishes digital signals based on the different pulse shapes of neutrons and gamma rays. If it is determined to be a neutron signal, it records the energy deposition spectrum information of the secondary charged particles generated by the neutron entering the neutron detection module and forms a data packet to be sent to the memory module; if it is determined to be a gamma ray, it terminates the signal processing.

10. The spaceborne space neutron detection method based on a CLYC scintillator as described in claim 9, further comprising: Step 6: The memory module stores the data packets generated by the data receiving and processing module.

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