Dynamic Memory Allocation for Radiation Detector Counters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation detectors face limitations in speed due to the need to collect charge carriers before detecting the next radiation event, which restricts their ability to operate efficiently in high flux environments.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detector system with a dynamic memory allocation mechanism, where a processor allocates additional memory units to counters as needed during particle counting, allowing for efficient handling of varying particle counts across multiple energy bins without overflowing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed memory is allocated to counters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to counter overflow in high flux environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation where the memory size for each counter is adjusted in real-time based on the radiation flux intensity. When a counter approaches its maximum value, the system automatically expands its memory allocation to prevent overflow, allowing the detector to maintain measurement precision across varying radiation conditions without requiring a fixed large memory capacity for all counters.
2Productivity
If charge carriers are collected completely before next detection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited detection speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring counter values and expanding memory allocation before overflow occurs. This allows the detection process to continue without interruption or loss of data, maintaining both high detection speed and measurement precision by preventing the need to wait for complete charge carrier collection in high flux conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If memory is pre-allocated to all counters, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance occurs due to wasted memory capacity in low flux conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the memory allocation parameter dynamically based on the radiation flux conditions. In low flux conditions, counters use small memory allocations, while in high flux conditions, memory is automatically expanded. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain ease of operation through automated management while optimizing memory utilization efficiency to avoid wasting capacity in low flux environments.
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 enhances the detector's ability to handle high flux radiation by dynamically managing memory, preventing counter overflow and maintaining accurate particle counting across a range of energies, thereby improving detection speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation detector of this type may comprise a semiconductor layer that absorbs the radiation and then generates charge carriers (e.g., electrons and holes) whose amount is proportional to the energy of the radiation
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a radiation detector, comprising: a radiation absorption layer configured to absorb a radiation； a plurality of counters each associated with a bin and configured to register a number of particles of the radiation particles absorbed by the detector； a memory comprising a plurality of units, which can be dynamically allocated to the counters.