Interlocking Fibre Detector Panels for High-Energy Particle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tracking systems for high energy particles fail to separate the wide range of high energy particles' kinetic energy spectrum, require high voltage supply, and necessitate periodic maintenance, while existing systems like Atmospheric ray tomography and muon trackers do not effectively address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A detector unit comprising stacked panels with parallel grooves and interlocking fibres, supported by honeycomb or foam structures, which enables accurate tracking and scattering angle determination of high energy particles, using low-density materials to reduce weight and scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tracking systems are used to determine particle paths and measure energy, then particle tracking capability is achieved, but the system cannot separate the wide range of high energy particles' kinetic energy spectrum
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple detector units, each with specific fibre arrangements to detect particles in different energy ranges. The hodoscope comprises multiple such units stacked together, allowing segmentation of the wide energy spectrum into detectable segments through the tracking chambers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by using multi-layer fibre arrangements (first fibres in grooves of first panel, second fibres in grooves of second panel) at angles to each other, creating a three-dimensional detection capability that enables kinetic energy spectrum separation beyond conventional two-dimensional tracking
2Reliability
If conventional tracking systems are deployed for effective operation, then particle detection capability is maintained, but high voltage supply and periodic maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional high-voltage-based detection mechanisms with a mechanical/optical fibre-based detection system. The scintillating fibres coupled with photodetectors provide a lower-voltage alternative that maintains detection reliability while eliminating complex high voltage supply requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The detector units are designed with modular fibre-optic components that are simpler and potentially replaceable, reducing maintenance complexity compared to conventional high-voltage systems. The modular design allows individual units to be replaced without affecting the entire system
3Measurement precision
If stacked panels with fibres are used for particle tracking, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin fibre-optic layers and panel structures instead of bulky conventional detector materials. The fibres are arranged in thin grooves on panels, creating a lightweight yet precise tracking system that maintains high measurement precision without excessive weight
Solution Approach 2:
The detector combines different materials (panel materials, fibre materials, support member materials) to create a lightweight composite structure. The support members use materials with appropriate strength-to-weight ratios, and the overall design integrates multiple materials to achieve both precision and weight reduction
4Strength
If conventional support structures are used in detector panels, then structural strength is maintained, but inherent scattering from construction materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with honeycomb or foam structures, which are porous materials that provide structural strength while minimizing material density. This reduces the amount of material particles must traverse, thereby reducing inherent scattering while maintaining the mechanical strength needed to support the detector panels
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 system provides high tracking accuracy and scattering angle measurement, with spatial resolution up to 100-200 um and tracking resolution of about 1 milliradian, while being user-friendly, low-cost, and compact, enhancing tomographic performance and harnessing secondary electron beams.
Implementation Method 1
a detector unit for tracking high energy particles
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a detector unit (100, 202) for tracking high energy particles, the detector unit comprises a first panel (102, 304) having a first surface (102A), a second surface (102B) and a first support member (106). The detector unit comprises a second panel (108, 306) having a first surface (108A), a second surface (108B) and a second support member (112). The detector unit further comprises a plurality of first fibres (114) and plurality of second fibres (116). The first panel is stacked upon the second panel such that second surface of first panel and second surface of second panel are facing each other. The plurality of first fibres and second fibres comprises two or more layers of first fibres and second fibres arranged in an interlocking manner (302) in first set and second set of parallel grooves of the first panel and second panel, respectively. Disclosed also a hodoscope for tracking high energy particles (200, 402) and a system (400) for for tracking high energy particles.