3D Boron Detector Using Nano-Powder Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal neutron detectors face limitations such as high-voltage operation, sensitivity to microphonics, large size, and material compatibility issues, particularly with the scarcity of 3He, which restricts their flexibility, scalability, and detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of neutron-sensitive nano-powders and micro-powders embedded within three-dimensional charge-collecting structures, allowing for conformal contact and independent optimization of material constituents, enabling flexible, scalable, and high-efficiency thermal neutron detection, including optical readout modalities for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If planar thin-film structures are used for neutron detection, then fabrication is simplified, but detection efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar 2D thin-film structures to three-dimensional structures including pillars, cavities, and layered configurations. This dimensional change increases the neutron interaction volume and path length, thereby improving detection efficiency while maintaining compatibility with thin-film deposition techniques for fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where neutron-sensitive materials are deposited within cavities and around pillars formed in semiconductor substrates. This nested configuration maximizes the neutron interaction volume within a compact footprint, improving detection efficiency without requiring large planar areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If monolithic structures with compatible materials are used, then fabrication is constrained, but material compatibility is ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector into distinct functional layers and components that can be fabricated separately using different materials and processes. Neutron-sensitive materials, charge-collecting materials, and structural layers are processed independently and then integrated, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without being constrained by monolithic material compatibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary layers and buffer structures to interface between materials with different properties. These intermediary layers facilitate the integration of dissimilar materials (e.g., semiconductor substrates with neutron-sensitive coatings) by providing mechanical support, thermal management, and electrical isolation, thereby enabling fabrication flexibility without compromising material compatibility.
3Reliability
If 3He tubes are used for thermal neutron detection, then detection capability is achieved, but device size and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical and operational complexity of 3He tube systems with solid-state semiconductor-based detectors. The solid-state structure eliminates the need for high-voltage operation, microphonic shielding, and complex gas handling systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable thermal neutron detection capability through semiconductor charge collection mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in compact, rugged, and high-performance thermal neutron detectors that overcome material compatibility and scalability constraints, enabling flexible sensor designs and improved detection efficiency, suitable for diverse applications including nuclear reactors and UAVs.
Implementation Method 1
neutron sensitive materials may include Boron and various compounds thereof, such as, 10Boron; or a compound containing 10Boron, such as natural Boron, natural Boron Carbide, 10Boron Carbide, or 10Boron Nitride. Other classes of neutron sensitive materials include, but are not limited to, Lithium (e.g. pure 6Lithium; or a compound containing 6Lithium such as 6Lithium Fluoride), 155Gadolinium, or 157Gadolinium
Implementation Method 2
Upon a surface of the semiconductor detector is attached a coating that releases ionizing radiation reaction products upon interaction with a neutron. The ionizing radiation reaction products can then enter into the semiconductor material of the detector, thereby creating a charge cloud of electrons and holes
Implementation Method 3
The charges are swept through such configured detectors via methods known by those of ordinary skill in the art and registered as an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Three-dimensional boron particle loaded thermal neutron detectors utilize neutron sensitive conversion materials in the form of nano-powders and micro-sized particles, as opposed to thin films, suspensions, paraffin, etc. More specifically, methods to infiltrate, intersperse and embed the neutron nano-powders to form two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional charge sensitive platforms are specified. The use of nano-powders enables conformal contact with the entire charge-collecting structure regardless of its shape or configuration.