Nitride Charge Storage Radiation Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation-detecting devices are often expensive, cumbersome, and prone to inaccuracy due to electronic noise, with crystalline systems being fragile and requiring advanced signal processing, while existing neutron detectors are bulky and have poor sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A radiation-detecting device utilizing a charge storage structure with nitride-containing layers and conductive gate layers, capable of storing and measuring changes in charge to determine radiation flux, allowing for accurate detection without the need for radiation-reactive materials, and incorporating thermalizing layers to enhance detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional neutron detectors using neutron sensitive gas and electrically charged wire are used, then radiation detection capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive with poor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/gas-based detection system (neutron sensitive gas and electrically charged wire) with a solid-state charge storage structure consisting of nitride layers and conductive gates integrated on a substrate. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky gas containers and complex wiring while maintaining radiation detection capability through charge storage and measurement mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If crystal-based radiation detecting devices are used, then radiation interaction and charge storage capability are achieved, but the system becomes fragile and requires advanced signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from fragile crystalline materials to robust nitride-based semiconductor structures. The charge storage structure uses nitride layers with specific dielectric properties and conductive gates that can be integrated into standard semiconductor fabrication processes, resulting in a more robust device that is less prone to damage while maintaining radiation detection sensitivity.
3Reliability
If conventional radiation detecting devices are used, then radiation detection function is achieved, but electronic noise causes inaccuracy and poor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charge storage function from the detection mechanism itself, using dedicated nitride charge storage regions that are spatially separated from the radiation interaction region. This separation allows the detection system to measure charge changes in the storage regions without being affected by electronic noise generated during radiation interaction, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reliability.
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 device provides accurate and sensitive radiation detection across various types of radiation, including gamma rays, x-rays, beta particles, and neutrons, with improved reliability and reduced bulkiness, enabling real-time monitoring and alert generation based on radiation flux thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
a first charge storage structure comprising a first nitride-containing layer overlying a first channel region at the substrate
Implementation Method 2
conducting a first read operation to determine a change in the first charge value at the first charge storage region at a first time after charging the first charge storage region
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a radiation-detecting device includes charging a first charge storage region of a charge storage structure to place a first charge value at the first charge storage region, and charging a second charge storage region of the charge storage structure to place a second charge value at the second charge storage region. The method further includes conducting a first read operation to determine a change in the first charge value at the first charge storage region at a first time after charging the first charge storage region, and determining a first radiation flux value for an environment containing the charge storage structure based on the change in the first charge value at the first time.