Spaced Diamond Neutron Imager for Radiation Hardness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neutron imagers are bulky, power-consuming, and sensitive to radiation, making them unsuitable for space missions and environments with high background radiation levels, and they lack the necessary compactness and radiation hardness for applications like deep space and nuclear reactor sites.
Innovation Solution
A neutron detection system utilizing two spaced diamond detector arrays with associated thin silicon layers, which measure carbon recoil energies and neutron arrival timings to determine neutron arrival directions, providing a compact, radiation-hard, and efficient imaging solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scintillator arrays with photomultiplier tubes are used for neutron detection, then detection capability is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and power-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection material from scintillator to diamond, and the readout mechanism from photomultiplier tubes to silicon photomultipliers. This parameter change enables the same neutron detection function with dramatically reduced size and power consumption, as diamond detectors are inherently more compact and silicon photomultipliers consume less power than traditional photomultiplier tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining diamond detection layers with silicon photomultiplier readout layers. This composite material approach integrates the neutron-sensitive diamond material with the electronically-efficient silicon photodetector, achieving both reliable neutron detection and compact, low-power system characteristics
2Reliability
If scintillator arrays with photomultiplier tubes are used for neutron detection, then detection capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the readout technology from photomultiplier tubes to silicon photomultipliers, which operate at lower voltages and consume significantly less power. This parameter change maintains neutron detection capability while reducing power consumption to levels suitable for portable and space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the vacuum-tube-based photomultiplier tube system with a solid-state silicon photomultiplier system. This substitution eliminates the need for high-voltage power supplies and complex vacuum maintenance, resulting in much lower power consumption and improved reliability
3Reliability
If proportional counters or scintillators are used for neutron detection, then detection capability is achieved, but radiation sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection material from scintillator or proportional counter gas to diamond. Diamond's wide bandgap structure gives it inherent radiation hardness, allowing it to operate in high-radiation environments without degradation. This material parameter change simultaneously maintains neutron detection capability while eliminating sensitivity to background radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs diamond detectors that can withstand radiation damage that would destroy traditional detectors. While diamond itself is not disposable, the detector can endure extreme radiation environments that would require replacement of traditional detectors, effectively making the system suitable for applications where other detectors would fail
4Reliability
If traditional neutron detectors are used, then detection capability is achieved, but compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from thick scintillator layers requiring large photomultiplier tubes to thin diamond layers coupled with compact silicon photomultipliers. This parameter change enables the detection function to be achieved in a much smaller volume, making the detector suitable for portable and space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a segmented detector structure with multiple thin diamond layers coupled to silicon photomultiplier arrays. This segmentation allows the detection function to be distributed across multiple small components rather than requiring a single large detector volume, achieving both compactness and maintained detection capability
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
The system achieves high angular resolution and detection efficiency for fast neutrons, with improved radiation tolerance and reduced size and power consumption, enabling effective neutron imaging in challenging environments such as space and highly radioactive areas.
Implementation Method 1
diamond detectors rely on carbon-neutron scatterings
Implementation Method 2
The scattered neutron speed is measured with the time-of-flight information between two sets of scintillator arrays using arrival timing measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A neutron detector system, with a detector having a pair of spaced diamond detector layers, sandwiched between outer silicon layers. In response to incident neutrons, the detector system measures pulse heights and response times, and from those measurements, calculates the carbon recoil energy and time of flight of scattered neutrons. This data is further used to calculate a “direction cone”, which represents the approximate angle of arrival of the incident neutron. These direction cones can be used to image neutron events.