Dual-Response Ionizing Radiation Detector with Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ionizing radiation detectors suffer from insufficient spatial resolution due to irradiation beam spreading, sensitivity to solar radiation, large dark current, limited active area material choices, and radiation-induced defects, which result in noise and signal distortion, requiring permanent recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A detector design utilizing a homogeneous semi-insulating wide band-gap semiconductor material with a vertical mesa structure and optical fiber probes, enabling simultaneous electrical and optical signal recording, and self-calibration through synchronous measurement of charge collection efficiency and luminescence intensity, improving spatial and temporal resolution and radiation tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Schottky junction is used in the detector, then the detector can be formed with semiconductor materials, but the dark current is relatively large and breakdown voltage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by transitioning from a Schottky junction to a p-n junction structure. The p-n junction provides higher breakdown voltage and lower dark current characteristics, directly addressing the limitations of Schottky junctions while maintaining semiconductor material compatibility.
2Ease of operation
If the detector operates at room temperature, then operation is simplified, but solar spectrum radiation generates additional noises and pedestals in recorded current signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the detector structure itself selective rather than relying on external filtering. The p-n junction's inherent spectral response characteristics provide automatic rejection of solar radiation wavelengths, allowing room temperature operation without compromising signal quality.
3Area of stationary object
If the irradiation beam spreads on the substrate surface, then the detector can cover a larger area, but spatial resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector into multiple independent pixel elements, each with its own p-n junction. This segmentation allows the detector to maintain high spatial resolution by independently resolving signals from different locations while still providing a large total active area through the array configuration.
4Measurement precision
If the detector records optical response at room temperature, then measurement capability is enhanced, but radiation-induced defects distort signals requiring permanent re-calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the dual-response capability where the electrical signal from the p-n junction serves as an internal reference for calibrating the optical response measurements. This self-calibration mechanism compensates for radiation-induced defects without requiring external intervention or permanent re-calibration.
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 detector achieves enhanced spatial and temporal resolution, reduced dark current, and improved radiation tolerance, allowing for accurate measurement of high fluxes and cumulative doses while being insensitive to solar radiation and radiation-induced defects, with the ability to self-calibrate and reduce noise.
Implementation Method 1
detection of ionizing radiations
Implementation Method 2
vertical mesa structure with both the electrical (ohmic/blocking, Schottky and junction type)
Implementation Method 3
optical fiber probes, enabling simultaneous electrical and optical signal recording
Implementation Method 4
luminescence spectrum intensity distribution
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
This invention relates to a method and equipment for the measurements of fluxes and high cumulative doses collected under ionizing irradiations by gamma rays, leptons and hadrons. The proposed sensor comprises structure of homogenous as well as layered, differently doped and semi-insulating wide band-gap semiconductor materials containing both the electrical (ohmic/blocking, Schottky and junction type) and optical fiber probes. The methods for synchronous measurement of optical and electrical signals, the measurement regimes and procedures for processing of signals as well as the measurement data are proposed in order to measure the radiation flux, to estimate the collected fluence (dose) and to track the paths of particle/radiation beams during and after irradiations.