Dual Imaging Device for Gamma and Alpha Source Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices cannot simultaneously and precisely locate sources of gamma irradiation and alpha contamination on the same image without misalignment or parallax errors, as they operate on different detection principles.
Innovation Solution
A dual imaging device with interchangeable gamma and alpha heads, where each head is coupled to an image intensifier tube sensitive to both ultraviolet and visible radiation, allowing for precise detection and superimposition of images without device movement, using mechanical coupling means for easy head exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate gamma and alpha imaging devices are used, then detection sensitivity for each radiation type is improved, but device complexity and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gamma and alpha imaging devices into a single integrated system with a common body, image intensifier tube, and sensor. The gamma head and alpha head are merged into one device, eliminating the need for separate devices and their respective alignment procedures, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity for both radiation types
Solution Approach 2:
The image intensifier tube and sensor are designed to be universally sensitive to both ultraviolet radiation (from alpha detection) and visible light (from gamma detection). This multi-functionality allows a single detection chain to handle both imaging modes, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall device architecture
2Measurement precision
If images are taken with separate devices, then detection capability for each radiation type is improved, but alignment precision and parallax correction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both imaging heads into a single device with a common optical axis and shared image intensifier tube, the patent eliminates parallax errors that occur when using separate devices. The gamma head and alpha head are positioned such that their lines of sight coincide with the optical axis of the image intensifier tube, ensuring perfect alignment without requiring complex calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a unified detection path where both gamma and alpha images are captured through the same optical chain (image intensifier tube and sensor). This copying of the detection path for both radiation types ensures that both images are recorded with identical geometric reference frames, eliminating the need for post-processing alignment and parallax correction
3Measurement precision
If different optical chains are used for gamma and alpha detection, then detection specificity is improved, but device complexity and operational simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each head specialized components optimized for its specific radiation type: the gamma head has a collimator and scintillator for gamma detection, while the alpha head has a UV-transparent lens for alpha detection. However, both heads feed into the same image intensifier tube and sensor, maintaining detection specificity while simplifying operation through a shared detection chain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic head exchange capability where the gamma head and alpha head can be quickly swapped on the common body. This dynamic design allows the user to switch between detection modes by simply changing the head, eliminating the need for complex reconfiguration procedures while maintaining optimized detection paths for each radiation type
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 precise detection and positioning of both gamma and alpha sources on the same image, reducing ambient light noise and parallax errors, facilitating effective mapping in radioactive environments for clean-up and dismantling phases.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator for transforming gamma radiation originating from a source of gamma radiation present in a scene and entering the collimator, into ultraviolet radiation transmitted to the image intensifier tube
Implementation Method 2
an image intensifier tube sensitive to the ultraviolet radiation from both the alpha head and the gamma head
Implementation Method 3
an alpha head having an ultraviolet transparent lens for transmitting ultraviolet radiation generated by alpha radiation from a source of alpha contamination present in the scene, to the image intensifier tube
Implementation Method 4
a collimator and a scintillator for transforming gamma radiation originating from a source of gamma radiation present in a scene and entering the collimator
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5
Figure 6A~7B
AI summary
Device for taking an image (100), having a body (1) comprising an image intensifier tube (2) having an optical axis (XX') and interacting with an image sensor (3), and two interchangeable heads (11, 12) having a field of view defined around a viewing axis (11.3, 12.3), including: one gamma head (12) comprising a collimator (12.2) and a scintillator (12.1) for transforming a gamma ray coming from a gamma radiation source (410) into an ultraviolet ray transmitted to the image intensifier tube (2), one alpha head (11) comprising a lens (11.1) for transmitting an ultraviolet ray generated by an alpha ray coming from an alpha contamination source (420) to the image intensifier tube (2), and means for coupling (20) the two heads to the body one at a time, the coupled head (11, 12) having a viewing axis (11.3, 12.3) coincident with the optical axis (XX').