Directional Prompt and Delayed Radiation Dose Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation sensing technologies fail to accurately measure both prompt and delayed radiation doses, especially in high dose rate environments, and lack directional information, leading to inaccurate data and device failure due to electromagnetic pulses and radiation damage.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes high dynamic range sensors, such as thermopile arrays and RADFETs, with power management using SCR circuits to survive intense radiation bursts, providing directional information and data storage, and utilizing multiple sensors to network and interpret measurements for enhanced data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current radiation sensors are used to measure high dose rate environments, then they can detect radiation presence, but they fail to provide accurate dose measurements and the electronics are damaged by EMP and radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides radiation measurement into two separate functional segments: a prompt radiation detector (thermopile or Compton diode) that operates only during high dose rate events, and a delayed radiation dosimeter (RADFET or TLD) that measures integrated dose after the event. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific measurement range without interference from the other radiation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by having the prompt radiation detector trigger an alarm and initiate data logging before the delayed dosimeter begins its measurement. The thermopile detects the intense prompt radiation burst first, then activates the delayed dosimeter to begin integrating dose measurements, ensuring both measurement phases are captured in the correct sequence.
2Loss of information
If sophisticated radiation sensors with spectroscopy capability are used, then directional information and spectral data can be obtained, but the data rate processing capability is limited and they cannot work in high radiation environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for emergency response: total integrated dose from the RADFET/TLD and directional information from the array geometry. It discards complex spectral analysis data that would require extensive processing, focusing instead on providing immediate actionable intelligence about radiation source location and total exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of simple dosimeters serves multiple functions simultaneously: each element provides both dose measurement and directional information through its position in the array. The system uses the same sensor elements for both detection and localization, eliminating the need for separate spectroscopy hardware and simplifying data processing.
3Measurement precision
If single point sensors are used to measure radiation dose, then they can provide dose readings, but they fail to provide directional information and have low dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from single-point measurement to spatial array measurement by distributing multiple dosimeters across a geometric configuration. This adds the spatial dimension to the measurement capability, allowing the system to determine both magnitude and direction of radiation exposure by comparing readings across the array elements.
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
Enables accurate measurement of both prompt and delayed radiation doses and directional information, enhancing survival chances by providing reliable data in extreme conditions, including nuclear accidents and terrorist acts, while minimizing effects from electromagnetic pulses.
Implementation Method 1
a thermopile sensor array 38 capable of detecting prompt radiation dose rate and triggering the turn on of the circuit
Implementation Method 2
a RADFET sensor array 37 capable of measuring integrated dose
Implementation Method 3
control circuitry 40 that will shut down the electronics 36 when a high radiation event is detected in order to protect the electronics from the electromagnetic pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system that can enable measurement of prompt and delayed radiation doses. Some embodiments provide a high dynamic range in dose and dose rate. Some embodiments can determine the direction of greatest dose and direction of lower radiation dose and dose rate. Embodiments include variations as well for individual and small group survival enhancement such as directional systems, packaging to meet harsh environmental conditions and nuclear survivability, low power, large-area dose and dose rate, rate mapping, data storage and exfiltration.