Neutron Detector Tracking Unit with Boron Converter

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current neutron detectors face challenges in achieving high spatial and time resolution, detection efficiency, scalability, suppression of gamma-ray background, and radiation hardness for thermal neutron detection.

Innovation Solution

A detector system comprising a converter that generates two charged particles upon neutron interaction, with a trigger unit to determine the starting time and a tracking unit to track the trajectory of one charged particle, utilizing a thin layer of neutron-absorbing material like boron 10B, and a scintillating material with a waveguide for efficient photon detection, along with a gas-based tracking unit for precise ionization tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a thick scintillator is used to improve neutron detection efficiency, then detection efficiency is improved, but discrimination capability against gamma-ray background deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutron detection efficiencyVSAvoidgamma-ray background interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into multiple independent layers, each containing a thin scintillator layer and a converter layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall detection efficiency through the stacked configuration, solving the contradiction between thickness for efficiency and thinness for gamma-ray rejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector uses composite structures combining scintillator materials with converter materials (such as 10B-coated foils) in a layered configuration. This composite approach enables the system to achieve both high neutron detection efficiency through the converter-scintillator interaction and good gamma-ray discrimination by maintaining thin individual scintillator layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If semiconductor detectors are used to achieve good spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but radiation hardness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidradiation hardness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A gas-based tracking chamber is introduced as an intermediary between the converter and the readout system. This gas chamber provides radiation-hard tracking capability while maintaining good spatial resolution through electron drift and avalanche multiplication, avoiding the radiation sensitivity problem of semiconductor detectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces semiconductor-based detection with a gas-filled tracking chamber that uses electron drift and multiplication processes. This substitution maintains spatial resolution capabilities while achieving superior radiation hardness, as gas detectors are inherently more resistant to radiation damage than semiconductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a cascade of gas electron multiplier foils is used to detect neutrons, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutron detection capabilityVSAvoiddetector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simplified single-stage electron multiplication approach instead of the multi-stage cascade configuration. By implementing electron multiplication in a single chamber with appropriate field geometry, the detector achieves comparable neutron detection capability with significantly reduced structural complexity and fewer components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 achieves high spatial resolution of about 50 micrometers and time resolution of 10 nanoseconds, improved detection efficiency, and radiation hardness, enabling effective detection of thermal neutrons with reduced gamma-ray background interference.

Implementation Method 1

at least one converter configured to generate at least a first charged particle and a second charged particle in response to interaction with a neutron

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a scintillating material with a waveguide for efficient photon detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 3

a gas-based tracking unit for precise ionization tracking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP3270186B1Neutron detector with a tracking unit

Publication Date: 2019.01.23 UNIVERSITY OF HEIDELBERG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A detector (10) and method for detecting neutrons is provided. The detector (10) comprises at least one converter (20) configured to generate at least a first charged particle and a second charged particle in response to interaction with a neutron; at least one trigger unit (30) configured to detect the first charged particle for determining a starting time; and a tracking unit (40) configured to detect the second charged particle for determining a trajectory of the second charged particle on the basis of the starting time.