Integrated Muon Detector Arrays for Low-Noise Subsurface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic exploration methods lack the capability to provide detailed density information of the subsurface, relying solely on elastic properties, and are limited by noise and spurious signals when detectors are placed above the target.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating muon detectors in an over-under configuration with Ocean Bottom Nodes (MOBN) and Land Nodes (MLN) to perform muon tomography simultaneously with seismic exploration, allowing for accurate detection of muon angles and directions, enhancing subsurface imaging and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional seismic sensors (geophones and hydrophones) are used for subsurface exploration, then elastic properties of subsurface can be measured, but density information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional seismic sensors (geophones and hydrophones) with muon detectors into a single integrated instrument. This merging allows the system to simultaneously perform seismic exploration (measuring elastic properties) and muon tomography (measuring density), thereby obtaining both elastic properties and density information without requiring separate deployment of different instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated instrument serves multiple functions: it acts as both a traditional seismic sensor for measuring elastic properties and a muon detector for measuring subsurface density. This multi-functionality resolves the limitation of traditional seismic sensors by enabling them to provide both elastic property measurements and density information through the combined capabilities of seismic and muon detection systems.
2Reliability
If detectors are placed above the target to reduce noise, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but spurious signals are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The muon detection system is divided into multiple detectors positioned at different locations (above and below the target). This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between muons coming from different directions by comparing signals from individual detectors, thereby identifying and filtering out spurious signals while maintaining improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
Different detectors are positioned with specific local qualities - some above the target and some below - each optimized for detecting muons from particular directions. This spatial differentiation enables the system to selectively accept genuine signals while rejecting spurious ones based on the local detection characteristics and signal directionality.
3Productivity
If muon detectors are integrated with seismic instruments, then simultaneous acquisition of seismic and muon data is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges muon detectors with seismic instruments into a single integrated platform, enabling simultaneous acquisition of both seismic and muon data during the same deployment. This combination eliminates the need for separate deployment and processing of different instruments, thereby improving productivity despite the increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated instrument performs multiple functions - seismic exploration and muon tomography - within a single device. This multi-functionality allows simultaneous data acquisition for both methods, improving productivity by eliminating redundant deployments and enabling complementary measurements to be taken concurrently from the same location.
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
Enhances subsurface imaging by providing detailed density information, improves resolution, and reduces noise interference, enabling longer deployments for better signal-to-noise ratio and cost-effective simultaneous acquisition of seismic and muon data.
Implementation Method 1
a muon detector in addition to the typical detectors that are used in seismic exploration. This will allow performing muon tomography, a geophysical imaging technique of the subsurface that uses cosmic-ray muons
Implementation Method 2
The muon could penetrate deep into the subsurface, interact with the subsurface rocks, and generate secondary muons that could propagate back to the surface where could be recorded by muon detectors
Implementation Method 3
The main information about the subsurface that can be obtained from the secondary muons recorded at the surface is primarily related to the density of the rocks and attenuation of the muons as they pass through different materials
Implementation Method 4
Geophones are sensors that detect ground vibrations, and they convert ground movement (particle velocity) into electrical signals
Implementation Method 5
Hydrophones measure the pressure changes associated with seismic waves traveling through water, and convert these into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present application pertains to systems and methods for subsurface exploration. An exemplary method comprises employing a muon detector array comprising a first muon detector and a second muon detector. The muon detector array is configured to detect muons from above the array, to detect muons below the array, and to detect muons substantially horizontally to the array. One or more seismic sensors are also employed. Muon tomography is employed with the muon detector array and seismic imaging is employed with the one or more seismic sensors to image a subsurface.