Nanoparticle Dosimeter Additive Manufacturing Neutron Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation dosimeters face issues with sensitivity loss due to overheating and degradation from moisture intrusion, leading to inaccurate radiation exposure assessments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating nanoparticles of materials like indium, gold, copper, and sulfur into additive manufacturing polymers to create dosimeters that are less susceptible to degradation and provide enhanced accuracy in radiation exposure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional TLD elements are used in dosimeters, then radiation detection capability is provided, but sensitivity loss occurs due to overheating during annealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by replacing traditional TLD elements with nanoparticles dispersed in additive manufacturing materials. This fundamental material parameter change allows the dosimeter to avoid the sensitivity loss issue that plagues traditional TLD elements during annealing processes, while maintaining radiation detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by dispersing nanoparticles (such as indium, gold, copper, or sulfur) within additive manufacturing materials. This composite structure provides both the radiation detection functionality of the nanoparticles and the structural benefits of the additive manufacturing material, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and sensitivity stability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If detector materials are enclosed in traditional encapsulation, then protection is provided, but degradation occurs from moisture intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The additive manufacturing material itself forms an integrated protective matrix that encapsulates the nanoparticles. This composite structure provides inherent protection against moisture intrusion and environmental degradation, eliminating the need for separate encapsulation layers that can fail
Solution Approach 2:
The additive manufacturing material creates an inert protective environment around the nanoparticles, preventing moisture and oxygen from reaching the detector materials. This inert barrier protects the nanoparticles from degradation while maintaining their detection capabilities
3Ease of operation
If existing dosimeter designs are used, then radiation monitoring is provided, but accuracy is reduced due to component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the physical and chemical parameters of the dosimeter by using nanoparticles dispersed in additive manufacturing materials. This parameter change results in components that are resistant to degradation, thereby maintaining measurement precision and assessment accuracy throughout the dosimeter's operational life
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of nanoparticles within additive manufacturing materials provides both functional integrity and protective stability. This composite design ensures that the dosimeter maintains its radiation monitoring functionality while preventing the component degradation that compromises measurement accuracy in traditional designs
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 solution improves the accuracy of radiation exposure assessment and reduces degradation, enabling more reliable detection of radiation levels, particularly neutron exposure, while maintaining the diagnostic capabilities of existing dosimeters.
Implementation Method 1
nanoparticles of a detector material selected from the group consisting of indium, gold, copper, titanium, rhodium, nickel, iron, aluminum, niobium, silicon, sulfur, and combinations thereof, where the nanoparticles are dispersed through the polymer
Implementation Method 2
The sulfur tablets are evaluated using a Liquid Scintillation counter, and the indium foil is evaluated using a gamma spectroscopy system
Implementation Method 3
The Model 8841 dosimeter card uses LiF:Mg,Cu,P elements that are encased in polytetrafluoroethylene and mounted on an aluminum card
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions including additive manufacturing materials incorporating radiological detection materials therein are provided. Also provided are apparatus and methods, which may be utilized to monitor and measure nuclear criticality events, and determine if personnel have been exposed to ionizing radiation. The compositions, apparatus, and methods beneficially improve accuracy in assessing radiation exposure, particularly neutron exposure, and reduce degradation of the radiological detection materials.