Neutron Multiplicity Detector Control Circuitry for High Count Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neutron multiplicity detectors are limited by low count rates, typically achieving only around 50,000 counts-per-second, which prolongs the time required to collect data and obtain statistically significant results, hindering the rapid identification of special nuclear materials and estimation of neutron multiplication factors.
Innovation Solution
The development of neutron multiplicity detector control circuitry and firmware utilizing a direct memory access (DMA) engine and list mode controller, integrated with an ARM processor and programmable logic, enables significantly higher count rates by optimizing data processing and flow, achieving over 1,000,000 cps with 100 nanoseconds resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional neutron multiplicity detector architectures are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but count rate is limited to approximately 50,000 cps
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is segmented into multiple independent 3He-filled neutron detection tubes (15 tubes arranged in two rows within HDPE blocks), allowing parallel detection of neutron events. This segmentation enables the system to process multiple neutron interactions simultaneously, thereby increasing the overall count rate capability from 50,000 cps to over 500,000 cps while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional frequency-binned data collection to list-mode data collection, adding a temporal dimension to the data structure. Each neutron event is recorded with precise timing information (1 μs resolution), creating a multi-dimensional data set that enables more efficient processing and analysis, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Loss of time
If conventional data collection methods are used, then data processing simplicity is maintained, but data collection time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry performs preliminary actions by implementing real-time list-mode data collection and processing capabilities. The system pre-processes neutron event data as it is collected, maintaining precise timing information and event sequences in memory rather than relying on post-collection analysis. This preliminary processing reduces the overall data collection time from minutes to seconds while the modular firmware keeps complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of specialized firmware and control circuitry that sits between the neutron detection tubes and the data analysis system. This intermediary handles the complex real-time data collection, timing synchronization, and list-mode formatting, thereby reducing the time required for data collection and preparation while isolating the complexity from both the detection elements and the final analysis system
3Measurement precision
If list-mode data recording is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but data processing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is designed with self-service capabilities, where the embedded processor and firmware automatically handle list-mode data collection, timing stamping, and preliminary analysis without requiring external processing assistance. The system performs self-diagnosis and real-time validation of neutron events, maintaining 1 μs time resolution while processing data at over 500,000 cps through its own integrated resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data collection, timing measurement, and preliminary processing functions into a single integrated control circuitry unit. The list-mode data structure combines neutron event identification, precise timing information, and metadata into unified records that are processed efficiently by the embedded system. This merging maintains high measurement precision while improving productivity by eliminating separate processing steps
Data Source
AI summary
Neutron multiplicity detector control logic and firmware may control a neutron multiplicity detector such that higher count rates can be achieved by an order of magnitude of more over conventional control logic and firmware. Count rates of over 1,000,000 cps, and even over 1,500,000 cps, have been realized in some implementations.