A neutron energy resolving imaging detector

Abstract

The application discloses a neutron energy resolution imaging detector, which comprises a vacuum assembly, a detection assembly, a power supply assembly and an electronic board, wherein the vacuum assembly comprises a vacuum chamber, an incident end cover, an emission end cover and a vacuum pump module; the detection assembly comprises a neutron sensitive microchannel plate, two neutron gain microchannel plates, an anode circuit board, a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable; the power supply assembly comprises a high-voltage power supply and a high-voltage electrode, the high-voltage electrode is threaded in the power supply threading hole, one end of the high-voltage electrode is electrically connected with the high-voltage power supply, and the other end of the high-voltage electrode is electrically connected with the neutron sensitive microchannel plate and the neutron gain microchannel plate through the anode circuit board; and the electronic board is arranged outside the vacuum chamber and is electrically connected with the other end of the first flexible flat cable and the other end of the second flexible flat cable. The neutron energy resolution imaging detector can realize miniaturization of the whole machine, can be quickly disassembled and assembled, is convenient to maintain, can ensure normal work through single high-voltage and can reduce the number of vacuum wall-through points.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of detector technology, and more specifically to a neutron energy-resolved imaging detector. Background Technology

[0002] Neutron energy-resolution imaging is an advanced detection technique that combines non-destructive testing with nuclide resolution. Unlike X-rays, which rely primarily on differences in electron density for contrast, neutrons interact directly with atomic nuclei, exhibiting higher sensitivity for light elements such as hydrogen, lithium, and boron, as well as several nuclides with characteristic resonance peaks. With the development of pulsed spallation neutron sources, energy-resolution neutron imaging based on the time-of-flight (TOF) method has gradually become an important technological approach in fields such as materials science, aerospace, energy devices, cultural relic preservation, nuclear industry, and security inspection. These applications require detectors that can not only provide high spatial resolution two-dimensional images but also provide nanometer-level temporal information for individual neutron events, thus establishing a one-to-one correspondence between spatial location and neutron energy.

[0003] Neutron-sensitive microchannel plate (nMCP) detectors are considered one of the most promising energy-resolved neutron imaging detector approaches due to their advantages of high gain, fast response, radiation resistance, and event-specific readout. nMCPs typically achieve this by doping the glass substrate of the microchannel plate with boron or depositing a boron-containing neutron conversion layer on the inner wall of the channel. This traps incident neutrons, generating charged particles that then multiply in a cascade pattern on the microchannel walls before being read out by the position-sensitive anode and electronics system. By combining cross-anode, waveform sampling, and charge centroid decoding methods, high position resolution and high event readout can be achieved with a smaller number of electronics channels, significantly outperforming indirect readout schemes using fluorescent screens and optical cameras.

[0004] However, as a typical vacuum electro-optical device, the electron multiplication process within the microchannel plate of an nMCP detector is highly sensitive to the vacuum environment, mechanical stability, and electric field uniformity. While vacuum encapsulation of intensifier-type sealed structures is mature, it typically uses a fluorescent screen for output, making it impossible to directly extract hundreds of position and timing information channels from the vacuum cavity with high fidelity. For cross-anode readout nMCP detectors for TOF imaging, existing technologies suffer from at least the following shortcomings: First, the various substructures in the overall unit are usually distributed, lacking integrated and portable overall packaging; second, there is a lack of productized structures for nMCPs that are difficult to achieve stable voltage division operation through a single high voltage channel; third, the nMCP and the rear cover are separate structures, making rapid disassembly and replacement difficult; and fourth, the extraction of hundreds of signals using traditional coaxial or multi-pin feedthrough methods easily leads to problems such as insufficient space, increased crosstalk, difficulties in vacuum sealing, and complex assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main technical problem solved by this invention is that it can achieve miniaturization of the whole machine, and can be quickly disassembled and assembled for easy maintenance. At the same time, it can ensure normal operation through a single high voltage and reduce the number of vacuum penetration points.

[0006] To achieve one of the above objectives, some embodiments of this application provide a neutron energy-resolved imaging detector, comprising:

[0007] A vacuum assembly includes a vacuum chamber, an inlet end cap, an outlet end cap, and a vacuum pump module. The inlet end cap and the outlet end cap are respectively installed at both ends of the vacuum chamber to enclose and form a vacuum cavity. The vacuum chamber has a vacuum port, which is connected to the vacuum pump module. The inlet end cap is provided with an inlet window, and the outlet end cap is provided with an outlet window, a first through hole, a second through hole, and a power supply through hole.

[0008] The detection assembly includes a neutron-sensitive microchannel plate, two neutron-gain microchannel plates, an anode circuit board, a first flexible ribbon cable, and a second flexible ribbon cable. Along the direction from the entrance window to the exit window, the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates, and the anode circuit board are stacked sequentially and connected to the exit end cap. The first flexible ribbon cable is threaded through a first through-hole, with one end electrically connected to the anode circuit board and the other end extending to the outside of the vacuum chamber. The second flexible ribbon cable is threaded through a second through-hole, with one end electrically connected to the anode circuit board and the other end extending to the outside of the vacuum chamber.

[0009] The power supply component includes a high-voltage power supply and a high-voltage electrode. The high-voltage electrode is passed through the power supply through hole, with one end electrically connected to the high-voltage power supply and the other end electrically connected to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate and the neutron-gain microchannel plate through the anode circuit board.

[0010] An electronics board is disposed on the outside of the vacuum chamber and electrically connected to the other end of the first flexible ribbon cable and the other end of the second flexible ribbon cable.

[0011] In one embodiment, the detection component further includes an adjustment component connected to the stacked neutron-sensitive microchannel plate, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates, and the anode circuit board, for adjusting the parallelism and spacing between them and the emission end cap.

[0012] In one embodiment, the adjustment assembly includes a stud, a locking nut, and an adjusting nut. The stud is screwed onto the anode circuit board and fixed to the exit end cap. The locking nut is screwed onto the stud and located on the side of the anode circuit board facing the exit end cap. The adjusting nut is screwed onto the stud and located on the side of the anode circuit board facing the incident end cap. Changing the distance between the adjusting nut and the incident end cap adjusts the parallelism and spacing between the anode circuit board and the exit end cap. The locking nut is used to lock the anode circuit board between the adjusting nuts.

[0013] In one embodiment, the detection assembly further includes two insulating members, which are respectively disposed on the side of the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate opposite to the neutron-gain microchannel plate and between the neutron-gain microchannel plate and the anode circuit board near the anode circuit board.

[0014] In one embodiment, the detection component further includes three electrodes, which are respectively disposed between the neutron gain microchannel plate and the insulating member, between the neutron sensitive microchannel plate and the neutron gain microchannel plate, and between the neutron sensitive microchannel plate and the insulating member, and are electrically connected to the neutron sensitive microchannel plate and the two neutron gain microchannel plates, respectively, and are electrically connected to the anode circuit board.

[0015] In one embodiment, a sealing structure is provided between the first flexible cable and the first through hole, and between the second flexible cable and the second through hole.

[0016] In one embodiment, the anode circuit board is further provided with a voltage divider resistor, which is electrically connected to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate and the neutron-gain microchannel plate, and is used to make the voltage ratio of the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate to the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 1:3.

[0017] In one embodiment, the anode circuit board is further provided with a high-voltage connector for electrical connection with the high-voltage electrode.

[0018] In one embodiment, the anode circuit board is further provided with a first signal connector and a second signal connector, the first signal connector being connected to one end of the first flexible ribbon cable, and the second signal connector being connected to one end of the second flexible ribbon cable.

[0019] In one embodiment, a shielding electrode is further included, which is disposed between the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate and the incident end cap, and located within the vacuum cavity; the shielding electrode is used to suppress particles and electrons.

[0020] The neutron energy-resolution imaging detector provided in the above embodiments has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] First, since the vacuum chamber is installed on the vacuum pump module, and along the direction from the entrance window to the exit window, the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate, two neutron-gain microchannel plates and the anode circuit board are stacked in sequence, and the stacked structure is connected to the exit end cap, while the electronics board is installed on the outside of the vacuum chamber through a bracket to avoid the neutron beam path and is integrated with the vacuum chamber. The high-voltage power supply is fixed on the vacuum pump module, which makes the entire structure and equipment miniaturized, micro-sized, portable and commercialized.

[0022] Secondly, the high-voltage electrode electrically connects the high-voltage power supply to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate and the neutron-gain microchannel plate, so the whole machine can operate by only needing to be powered by a single high-voltage power supply.

[0023] Third, after stacking the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate, two neutron-gain microchannel plates, and the anode circuit board and connecting them with the emission end cap to form a whole, the detection assembly can be quickly disassembled and assembled by disassembling and assembling the emission end cap, which is convenient for maintenance and replacement.

[0024] Fourth, after the first and second flexible ribbon cables are connected to the anode circuit board, they are led out through the first and second through holes on the emission end cover, respectively. Compared with the traditional multi-pin through-slot feedthrough method, the number of vacuum through-wall points can be significantly reduced, the transmission length of the amplified signal and parasitic coupling can be reduced, and the electronic board layout can be made more flat and modular. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a neutron energy-resolved imaging detector in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the vacuum component and the power supply component in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the assembly of the detection component and the emission end cap in one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the assembly of the detection component and the launch end cap in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the detection component in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 7This is a top view of the anode circuit board in one embodiment of this application.

[0032] Label Explanation:

[0033] 10-Vacuum assembly, 11-Vacuum chamber, 111-Vacuum port, 12-Injection end cap, 121-Injection window, 13-Output end cap, 131-Output window, 132-First through hole, 133-Second through hole, 134-Power supply through hole, 14-Vacuum pump module, 15-Vacuum chamber, 16-Sealing structure;

[0034] 20-Detection component, 21-Neutron sensitive microchannel plate, 22-Neutron gain microchannel plate, 23-Anode circuit board, 231-Voltage divider resistor, 232-High voltage connector, 233-First signal connector, 234-Second signal connector, 235-Resistor pad, 236-Electrode pad, 24-First flexible ribbon cable, 25-Second flexible ribbon cable, 26-Adjustment component, 261-Stud, 262-Locking nut, 263-Adjusting nut, 27-Insulator, 28-Electrode component, 29-Crossed anode array, 291-First anode array, 292-Second anode array;

[0035] 30 - Power supply components, 31 - High-voltage power supply, 32 - High-voltage electrodes;

[0036] 40 - Electronics board, 41 - Support. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present invention are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the invention with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0038] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0039] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this invention, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0040] Based on previous anode plate design, cavity vacuum testing, cross-strip anode electronics integration and boron-doped neutron microchannel plate (nMCP) beam experiment results, the applicant has accumulated the following engineering insights: For detectors with an effective aperture of approximately 50mm, the stable operation of the entire system depends not only on the performance of the nMCP itself, but also on the coordinated design of multiple aspects, namely, the integrated arrangement of the vacuum pump module and vacuum chamber, the stacking and voltage division relationship between the 10B-doped nMCP and two ordinary neutron microchannel plates (MCPs), the integrated installation of the MCP assembly and the rear cover plate, the partitioned layout of the XY high-density signals and the high-voltage end of the anode circuit board, the correspondence between the voltage division within the PCB and the high-voltage through-wall components, and the coordination between the flexible PCB through-wall groove and the high-vacuum sealant. In particular, when the readout channels are increased to 256 channels or even higher, if the above aspects are not designed in a unified and coordinated manner, it will be difficult for the detector to simultaneously meet the requirements of high vacuum, low crosstalk, easy assembly, variable maintenance, and productization.

[0041] In related technologies, existing solutions mainly fall into three categories: one is nMCP materials and their detection principles; another is vacuum-encapsulated structures of ordinary MCP, image intensifiers, or electron multipliers; and the third is general-purpose multi-pin vacuum feedthrough components or general cross-strip anode readout electronics. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a novel miniaturized, integrated high-vacuum packaged detector for engineering implementation.

[0042] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a neutron energy-resolved imaging detection method, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1-6 As shown, the neutron energy-resolved imaging detector provided in this embodiment includes a vacuum component 10, a detection component 20, a power supply component 30, and an electronics board 40.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the vacuum assembly 10 includes a vacuum chamber 11, an inlet end cap 12, an outlet end cap 13, and a vacuum pump module 14. The vacuum chamber 11 is hollow and has openings at both ends. The inlet end cap 12 and the outlet end cap 13 are respectively installed at the openings at both ends of the vacuum chamber 11, so that the vacuum chamber 11, the inlet end cap 12, and the outlet end cap 13 enclose a vacuum cavity 15. The vacuum chamber 11 has a vacuum port 111, which is connected to the vacuum pump module 14. The vacuum pump module 14 evacuates the vacuum cavity 15 through the vacuum port 111 to meet the vacuum conditions required for the experiment. Typically, the vacuum level in the vacuum cavity 15 can reach the order of 1×10^-5 Pa. The incident end cap 12 is provided with an incident window 121, and the exit end cap 13 is provided with an exit window 131, a first through hole 132, a second through hole 133 and a power supply through hole 134. The incident window 121 is used to allow the neutron beam to pass through and be incident, and the exit window 131 is used to allow the neutron beam to pass through and be emitted.

[0044] In this embodiment, the vacuum chamber 11, the incident end cap 12, and the exit end cap 13 form a closed structure, all of which can be made of integrally machined aluminum alloy, preferably 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. Alternatively, depending on the strength of the incident window 121 and the neutron transmission requirements, low-activation, weldable, or easily formable aluminum alloys such as 5083-O can be selected.

[0045] In one embodiment, the entrance window 121 and the exit window 131 are formed by thinning in specific areas of the entrance end cap 12 and the exit end cap 13, respectively. For example, the thickness of the entrance end cap 12 and the exit end cap 13 is about 8 mm, and the areas of the entrance window 121 and the exit window 131 are formed by thinning the entrance end cap 12 and the exit end cap 13 to 0.5 mm, respectively. The entire entrance end cap 12 and the exit end cap 13 are integrally formed.

[0046] In one embodiment, the entrance end cap 12 and the exit end cap 13 can be spherical windows of equal thickness. The entrance window 121 is mainly used for neutron incidence, and the exit window 131 is used for neutron emission without obstructing the effective signal. In a preferred embodiment, the entrance end cap 12 and the exit end cap 13 can be made of the same material and have the same or similar thickness to reduce the asymmetry of the encapsulation stress and electric field boundary. For detectors with an effective aperture of 50mm, the thickness of the entrance window 121 and the exit window 131 is preferably 0.2mm-0.5mm, more preferably 0.3mm. The diameter of the equal-thickness region of the entrance end cap 12 and the exit end cap 13 is preferably 60mm-80mm, preferably 65mm, and the spherical radius is preferably 130mm-220mm, more preferably 180mm. This combination of parameters takes into account the pressure-bearing safety factor, fabrication feasibility, and neutron transmission loss of the entrance end cap 12 and the exit end cap 13.

[0047] In one embodiment, the vacuum port 111 is preferably located on the bottom side of the vacuum chamber 11, while the vacuum pump module 14 is located below the vacuum chamber 11. The vacuum chamber 11 is fixed to the vacuum pump module 14 by connecting it to the vacuum port 111, so that the vacuum pump module 14 supports the vacuum chamber 11. The vacuum pump module 14 has a vacuum pump, which is preferably an Agilent TPS-mini micro molecular pump. The pump's suction port is directly connected to the vacuum port 111 located on the bottom side of the vacuum chamber 11. The vacuum pump itself has a vacuum monitoring and display function, thus eliminating the need for an additional independent vacuum gauge on the vacuum chamber 11.

[0048] In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber 11 may also be provided with an observation window to observe the experimental process inside the vacuum cavity 15. Of course, when visual alignment of the neutron beam is used, the observation window can also be used for observation. The observation window may be located on the side of the vacuum chamber 11, preferably made of transparent materials such as quartz, sapphire, or metallized glass, and should avoid the neutron beam spot.

[0049] In this application, the vacuum pump module 14 can form a dynamic vacuum pumping working mode for the vacuum chamber 15, and the vacuum port 111 of the vacuum chamber 11 is equipped with a KF or CF standard interface. For scenarios requiring mobile use, a getter can also be placed in the vacuum chamber 15, and combined with low outgassing rate materials, vacuum baking and cleaning assembly processes, the vacuum holding time after pump failure can be improved.

[0050] like Figures 2-6 As shown, the detection assembly 20 includes a neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21, two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22, an anode circuit board 23, a first flexible ribbon cable 24, and a second flexible ribbon cable 25. Along the direction from the entrance window 121 to the exit window 131, the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22, and the anode circuit board 23 are stacked sequentially. The stacked structure is connected to the exit end cap 13 to form an integral structure. The neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 is a boron-doped structure, which can be used for neutron beam capture and primary electron amplification. The neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 are of a conventional structure, used for subsequent high-gain amplification and gain homogenization. Both the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 are electrically connected to the anode circuit board 23. The voltage division ratio between the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the neutron-gain microchannel plate 22 can be achieved to 1:3 through the anode circuit board 23. See subsequent embodiments for details.

[0051] In this application, the thickness of the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 is preferably 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, and it contains millions to millions of microchannels. It can be supported by a glass substrate. The pore size of the microchannels is preferably 7 μm to 12 μm, the open area ratio of the microchannels is preferably not less than 55%, and the tilt angle of the microchannels is preferably 8° to 13°. The thickness of the neutron-gain microchannel plate 22 is preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, and it also contains millions to millions of microchannels. The microchannels in two adjacent neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 are preferably stacked in a V-shape or near-V-shape to reduce particle feedback and cascade distortion. The gap between the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the adjacent neutron-gain microchannel plate 22 is preferably 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. The two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 can be directly bonded and stacked, or a gap of no more than 0.1 mm can be maintained to reduce lateral electron diffusion. This stacking method allows the output of a single seed event to generate a total charge in the range of 400fC to 1000fC, making it more suitable for cross-anode front-end electronics matching.

[0052] A first flexible ribbon cable 24 is threaded through a first through-hole 132, and one end of the first flexible ribbon cable 24 is electrically connected to the anode circuit board 23, while the other end of the first flexible ribbon cable 24 extends to the outside of the vacuum chamber 11. A second flexible ribbon cable 25 is threaded through a second through-hole 133, and one end of the second flexible ribbon cable 25 is electrically connected to the anode circuit board 23, while the other end of the second flexible ribbon cable 25 extends to the outside of the vacuum chamber 11.

[0053] The power supply assembly 30 includes a high-voltage power supply 31 and a high-voltage electrode 32. The high-voltage power supply 31 is mounted on the vacuum pump module 14. The high-voltage electrode 32 is passed through the power supply through hole 134. One end of the high-voltage electrode 32 is electrically connected to the high-voltage power supply 31, and the other end of the high-voltage electrode 32 is electrically connected to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the neutron-gain microchannel plate 22 through the anode circuit board 23 to provide a voltage divider to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the neutron-gain microchannel plate 22.

[0054] In this embodiment, the high-voltage power supply 31 can provide an output of -3000V, which can apply a negative voltage of 600V to 800V to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and a negative voltage of 1800V to 2400V to the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 as a whole. In this way, only one voltage needs to be provided to drive the entire detection component 20 to achieve a better working state.

[0055] The electronics board 40 is located on the outside of the vacuum chamber 11, specifically, as follows: Figure 1As shown, the electronics board 40 is mounted on the outside of the vacuum chamber 11 via a bracket 41, and the electronics board 40 is electrically connected to the other end of the first flexible cable 24 and the other end of the second flexible cable 25. Placing the electronics board 40 on the outside of the vacuum chamber 11 avoids neutron beam spots, thereby preventing radiation damage.

[0056] In this embodiment, a cross-anode array 29, serving as a sensitive area, is provided on the anode circuit board 23. A neutron beam enters through the incident window 121 and undergoes a capture reaction with the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21. The generated charged particles can excite electrons and create a multiplication effect within the channels of the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21. After passing through the neutron gain microchannel plate 22, electron cascade amplification occurs, forming an electron cloud after leaving the neutron gain microchannel plate 22. This electron cloud is captured by the cross-anode array 29 on the anode circuit board 23, generating an electrical pulse signal. An electronic readout circuit is typically provided on the electronics board 40. This electrical pulse signal is received by the electronic readout circuit on the electronics board 40 and processed by the operational amplifier and position decoding in the electronic readout circuit to provide a data packet containing neutron energy and position information. The electronic readout circuit in the electronics board 40 can employ the same circuitry as existing detectors.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the vacuum chamber 11 is mounted on the vacuum pump module 14. Simultaneously, along the direction from the entrance window 121 to the exit window 131, the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21, two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22, and the anode circuit board 23 are sequentially stacked, and the stacked structure is connected to the exit end cap 13. The electronics board 40 is mounted on the outside of the vacuum chamber 11 via a bracket 41, avoiding the neutron beam path, and is integrated with the vacuum chamber 11. The high-voltage power supply 31 is fixed on the vacuum pump module 14, making the entire structure and device miniaturized, micro-sized, portable, and commercially viable.

[0058] In addition, this application connects the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 and the anode circuit board 23 stacked in sequence with the emission end cover 13 to form an integral structure. During product installation, the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 and the anode circuit board 23 can be assembled first, and then the assembled stacked structure can be installed on the emission end cover 13 and finally installed on the vacuum chamber 11. In the disassembly type, only the connection between the output end cover 13 and the vacuum chamber 11 needs to be removed to disassemble the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22, and the anode circuit board 23 as a whole. During assembly, the whole can be reassembled and the position can be reproduced. The equipment maintenance and replacement are more convenient. Only the rear end cover needs to be removed to take out the internal stacked structure. This is conducive to the disassembly and assembly of the detection component 20 as a whole, which facilitates rapid maintenance, repeated assembly and later upgrades. It reduces the positioning error and contamination risk caused by multiple disassembly and assembly, and reduces the maintenance workload. At the same time, the replacement operation is unobstructed and can be carried out in a clean room.

[0059] In this application, see Figure 7 As shown, the cross anode array 29 includes a plurality of first anode arrays 291 and a plurality of second anode arrays 292, wherein, with Figure 7 Taking the shown perspective as an example, multiple first anode arrays 291 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the horizontal direction, and multiple second anode arrays 292 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the vertical direction. The first flexible ribbon cable 24 is connected to the anode circuit board 23 in a manner parallel to the horizontal direction and can serve as a signal readout structure for the multiple first anode arrays 291. The second flexible ribbon cable 25 is connected to the anode circuit board 23 in a manner parallel to the vertical direction and can serve as a signal readout structure for the multiple second anode arrays 292.

[0060] In this application, each of the first flexible ribbon cable 24 and the second flexible ribbon cable 25 can read out 128 signals, and the other can read out 256 signals. Compared with the traditional multi-pin lead-out method, it is only necessary to pass the first flexible ribbon cable 24 and the second flexible ribbon cable 25 through the first lead-out hole 132 and the second lead-out hole 133 respectively. The number of signals read out can be further determined according to the target spatial resolution and the number of electronic channels, and is not limited here.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the first anode array 291 and the second anode array 292 arranged in the lateral and longitudinal directions can be arranged in the form of diamond pads, with the diagonals of the diamond pads corresponding to charge collection in the lateral and longitudinal directions, respectively, reducing interlayer alignment errors and the number of interlayer insulating elements 27, and making them more suitable for flattening.

[0062] See Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, sealing structures 16 are provided between the first flexible cable 24 and the first through hole 132, and between the second flexible cable 25 and the second through hole 133. These sealing structures 16 can be made of vacuum sealant. Specifically, after extending the other ends of the first flexible cable 24 and the second flexible cable 25 a certain distance, vacuum sealant is applied to the gaps between the first flexible cable 24 and the first through hole 132, and between the second flexible cable 25 and the second through hole 133, to seal the gaps. Agilent's Torr Seal vacuum sealant is preferably used; experimental testing has shown that its sealing vacuum level can reach 1×10⁻⁵ Pa, and it has long-lasting properties.

[0063] The aforementioned method of using through-holes to route flexible cabling significantly reduces the number of vacuum penetration points compared to the traditional large-scale multi-pin feedthrough method. This reduces the transmission length and parasitic coupling of amplified signals. Simultaneously, it allows for a flatter and more modular layout of the electronics board 40. The high-voltage power supply 31 can be independently introduced via a single connection line, separated from the multi-channel signal routing. This not only ensures high-voltage safety and system maintainability but also avoids the problems of insufficient space, assembly difficulties, and increased leakage rate associated with multi-pin feedthrough methods.

[0064] In one embodiment, see Figure 7 As shown, a high-voltage connector 232 is also provided on the anode circuit board 23, which is used for electrical connection with the high-voltage electrode 32. The high-voltage connector 232 is preferably located on the side of the anode circuit board 23 facing the emission end cover 13, and it can be an SHV connector or an MHV connector, preferably an MHV connector, to further save installation space.

[0065] See also Figure 7 As shown, a first signal connector 233 and a second signal connector 234 are also provided on the anode circuit board 23. The first signal connector 233 is connected to one end of the first flexible ribbon cable 24, and the second signal connector 234 is connected to one end of the second flexible ribbon cable 25. The first signal connector 233 and the second signal connector 234 can also be set on the side of the anode circuit board 23 facing the emission end cover 13, which can avoid bending of the first flexible ribbon cable 24 and the second flexible ribbon cable 25. The high-voltage connector 232 can be arranged in a position opposite to the first signal connector 233 or the second signal connector 234, so that the high-voltage connector 232 is far away from the signal reading, avoiding interference with the first signal connector 233 and the second signal connector 234.

[0066] See also Figure 7As shown, a voltage divider resistor 231 is also provided on the anode circuit board 23. The voltage divider resistor 231 is electrically connected to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the neutron-gain microchannel plate 22 through resistor pads 235. The voltage divider resistor 231 can make the voltage ratio between the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 1:3. The voltage divider resistor 231 is a high-resistance resistor in the MΩ range.

[0067] In one embodiment, the neutron energy-resolved imaging detector provided in this application further includes a shielding electrode. The shielding electrode is disposed between the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the incident end cap 12, and is located within the vacuum cavity 15. The shielding electrode is used to suppress particles and electrons. Specifically, the shielding electrode can be annular, which can be used to suppress the influence of low-energy charged particles and stray electrons that may be generated near the incident window 121 on the effective signal region, forming a controllable transition electric field between the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the shielding electrode, so that background electrons are guided to the non-sensitive region to a limited extent.

[0068] See Figures 2-4 As shown, the detection component 20 also includes an adjustment component 26, which is connected to the stacked neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 and the anode circuit board 23. The adjustment component 26 is used to adjust the parallelism and spacing between the stacked structure formed by the stacked neutron-sensitive microchannel plate 21, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 22 and the anode circuit board 23 and the emission end cap 13, thereby ensuring the stability of the electric field distribution of the whole machine.

[0069] In this embodiment, the adjustment assembly 26 includes a stud 261, a locking nut 262, and an adjusting nut 263. The stud 261 is screwed onto the anode circuit board 23 and fixed to the exit end cap 13. The locking nut 262 is screwed onto the stud 261 and located on the side of the anode circuit board 23 facing the exit end cap 13. The adjusting nut 263 is screwed onto the stud 261 and located on the side of the anode circuit board 23 facing the entrance end cap 12. Changing the distance between the adjusting nut 263 and the entrance end cap 12 adjusts the parallelism and spacing between the anode circuit board 23 and the exit end cap 13. The locking nut 262 is used to lock the anode circuit board 23 between the adjusting nuts 263. Specifically, by turning the adjusting nut 263, the distance between it and the incident end cover 12 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the parallelism and spacing between the anode circuit board 23 and the exit end cover 13. After the adjusting nut 263 is adjusted into place, the locking nut 262 is oriented towards the adjusting nut 263, so that the anode circuit board 23 is locked between the adjusting nut 263 and the locking nut 262.

[0070] like Figure 4As shown, the detection assembly 20 also includes two insulating elements 27. The two insulating elements 27 are respectively disposed on the side of the neutron sensitive microchannel plate 21 facing away from the neutron gain microchannel plate 22 and disposed between the neutron gain microchannel plate 22 and the anode circuit board 23 near the anode circuit board 23. The insulating elements 27 are preferably annular ceramic insulating rings for insulation and isolation.

[0071] In this embodiment, the thickness of the ceramic insulating ring is 0.1mm-0.2mm. The thickness of the ceramic insulating ring determines the distance between the neutron gain microchannel plate 22 near the anode circuit board 23 and the anode circuit board 23. This distance can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the ceramic insulating ring between the neutron gain microchannel plate 22 near the anode circuit board 23 and the anode circuit board 23.

[0072] See also Figure 4 As shown, the detection assembly 20 also includes three electrode components 28. The three electrode components 28 are respectively disposed between the neutron gain microchannel plate 22 and the insulating component 27, between the neutron sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the neutron gain microchannel plate 22, and between the neutron sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the insulating component 27, and are electrically connected to the neutron sensitive microchannel plate 21 and the two neutron gain microchannel plates 22, respectively. At the same time, the three electrode components 28 are electrically connected to the anode circuit board 23 through electrode pads 236.

[0073] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0074] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structures, arrangements, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environments and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the fundamental principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A neutron energy-resolved imaging detector, characterized in that, include: A vacuum assembly includes a vacuum chamber, an inlet end cap, an outlet end cap, and a vacuum pump module. The inlet end cap and the outlet end cap are respectively installed at both ends of the vacuum chamber to enclose and form a vacuum cavity. The vacuum chamber has a vacuum port, which is connected to the vacuum pump module. The inlet end cap is provided with an inlet window, and the outlet end cap is provided with an outlet window, a first through hole, a second through hole, and a power supply through hole. The detection assembly includes a neutron-sensitive microchannel plate, two neutron-gain microchannel plates, an anode circuit board, a first flexible ribbon cable, and a second flexible ribbon cable. Along the direction from the entrance window to the exit window, the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates, and the anode circuit board are stacked sequentially and connected to the exit end cap. The first flexible ribbon cable is threaded through a first through-hole, with one end electrically connected to the anode circuit board and the other end extending to the outside of the vacuum chamber. The second flexible ribbon cable is threaded through a second through-hole, with one end electrically connected to the anode circuit board and the other end extending to the outside of the vacuum chamber. The power supply component includes a high-voltage power supply and a high-voltage electrode. The high-voltage electrode is passed through the power supply through hole, with one end electrically connected to the high-voltage power supply and the other end electrically connected to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate and the neutron-gain microchannel plate through the anode circuit board. An electronics board is disposed on the outside of the vacuum chamber and electrically connected to the other end of the first flexible ribbon cable and the other end of the second flexible ribbon cable.

2. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component also includes an adjustment component, which is connected to the stacked neutron-sensitive microchannel plate, the two neutron-gain microchannel plates and the anode circuit board, and is used to adjust the parallelism and spacing between them and the emission end cap.

3. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes a stud, a locking nut, and an adjusting nut. The stud is screwed onto the anode circuit board and fixed to the exit end cap. The locking nut is screwed onto the stud and located on the side of the anode circuit board facing the exit end cap. The adjusting nut is screwed onto the stud and located on the side of the anode circuit board facing the incident end cap. Changing the distance between the adjusting nut and the incident end cap adjusts the parallelism and spacing between the anode circuit board and the exit end cap. The locking nut is used to lock the anode circuit board between the adjusting nuts.

4. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection assembly also includes two insulating components, which are respectively disposed on the side of the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate facing away from the neutron-gain microchannel plate and disposed between the neutron-gain microchannel plate and the anode circuit board near the anode circuit board.

5. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The detection assembly further includes three electrodes, which are respectively disposed between the neutron gain microchannel plate and the insulating component, between the neutron sensitive microchannel plate and the neutron gain microchannel plate, and between the neutron sensitive microchannel plate and the insulating component, and are electrically connected to the neutron sensitive microchannel plate and the two neutron gain microchannel plates, respectively, and are electrically connected to the anode circuit board.

6. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing structure is provided between the first flexible cable and the first through hole, and between the second flexible cable and the second through hole.

7. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The anode circuit board is also provided with a voltage divider resistor, which is electrically connected to the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate and the neutron-gain microchannel plate, and is used to make the voltage ratio of the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate to the two neutron-gain microchannel plates 1:

3.

8. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The anode circuit board is also provided with a high-voltage connector for electrical connection with the high-voltage electrode.

9. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The anode circuit board is also provided with a first signal connector and a second signal connector. The first signal connector is connected to one end of the first flexible ribbon cable, and the second signal connector is connected to one end of the second flexible ribbon cable.

10. The neutron energy-resolved imaging detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a shielding electrode, which is disposed between the neutron-sensitive microchannel plate and the incident end cap, and located within the vacuum cavity; the shielding electrode is used to suppress particles and electrons.

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