Directional Muon Detector Layout Without Coincidence Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muography systems face challenges with high cost, large size, and limited angular and spatial resolution due to the need for expensive, fast-response detectors and coincidence methods, which are not suitable for constrained environments and limit throughput and detection capabilities, especially in applications like ore body exploration and national security.
Innovation Solution
The use of composite directional muon detectors (DMDs) that determine muon trajectories by measuring transit distances through detector mediums, employing relatively slow-response optical sensors and eliminating the need for coincidence logic, allowing for miniaturization and increased angular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the coincidence method is used to detect muon trajectories, then directional muon flux measurement is achieved, but the system cost and complexity increase due to requirements for fast-response detectors and swift data acquisition systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coincidence logic requirement from the detection system. By using a single detector that directly measures muon trajectory parameters (such as drift chamber or time projection chamber technologies), the system removes the need for complex coincidence timing circuits and fast-response detector pairs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal detector design that can simultaneously perform multiple functions: detecting muon presence, determining trajectory direction, and measuring interaction points, all within a single detector unit. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized fast-response detectors and coincidence circuits required by traditional methods, reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If detectors are spaced far apart to achieve high angular resolution using the coincidence method, then angular resolution improves, but the detector array size increases and becomes unsuitable for constrained spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional spacing approach (where angular resolution depends on detector separation distance) to a multi-dimensional detection approach. By using a single detector with internal spatial resolution capabilities (such as drift chambers that measure drift distances or TPCs that reconstruct three-dimensional tracks), the system achieves angular resolution through dimensional information within the detector volume rather than through spatial separation of detectors, allowing compact deployment in constrained spaces
3Measurement precision
If fast-response photodetectors and electronics are used to meet coincidence timing requirements, then coincidence detection accuracy improves, but the system becomes less robust to temperature, pressure, and radiation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fast-response electronic coincidence timing system from the detection architecture. By using a single detector that directly records muon interaction information, the system removes the temperature-sensitive and radiation-sensitive fast electronics and timing circuits, thereby improving reliability in harsh environmental conditions while maintaining measurement precision through direct trajectory measurement
4Volume of moving object
If the coincidence method is used with decreasing detector distances, then the system fits in smaller spaces, but faster response times are required which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fast-response timing requirement from the system by eliminating the coincidence method. A single detector with internal spatial resolution capabilities can determine muon trajectory without requiring fast timing responses, allowing compact detector deployment without the associated complexity and cost of fast electronics
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 reduces costs, enhances angular and spatial resolution, and improves robustness by enabling direct directional muon flux measurements, facilitating faster and more detailed imaging of internal structures.
Implementation Method 1
Each detector medium of the plurality of detector mediums is configured to react to a muon passing through the detector medium. The reaction may be in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring trajectories of charged particles and for charged particle radiography and charged particle tomography are presented, comprising one or more directional particle detectors (DPDs). A DPD produces a directional measurement of a charged particle by determining the transit distance of the charged particle through a detector medium which is elongated is a single spatial dimension, or by determining the amount of energy deposited by the charged particle in a detector medium which is elongated is a single spatial dimension. Also presented are charged particle transmission imaging systems, charged particle scattering imaging systems, composite DPDs of various geometries, embodiments allowing for the monitoring of a plurality of detector medium columns by as few as one optical sensor, various shapes and compositions of detector medium columns, DPDs elongated in two spatial dimensions, fields of application, and discussions about the fundamental advantages of DPD over coincidence-based charged particle velocimetry.