Photoneutron Imaging Using Collimator and Detector Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photoneutron imaging is hindered by the loss of position information during moderation, making direct measurement of photoneutrons impossible due to interference from X-rays, which prevents effective two-dimensional imaging.

Innovation Solution

A method using a neutron collimator to determine the position of photoneutron rays and a detector array with neutron moderators and thermal neutron detectors to measure thermal neutrons, integrating position and attenuation information to form a complete image of the object by increasing the number of staggered detector arrays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photoneutrons are moderated to enable detection by thermal neutron detectors, then detection capability is improved, but position information is lost making imaging impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidposition information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection function into two separate components: a collimator that preserves position information and a thermal neutron detector that provides detection capability. By segmenting the imaging system, the patent allows each component to specialize in one function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and position information retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collimator acts as an intermediary element between the photoneutron source and the thermal neutron detector. It mediates the interaction by filtering and directing photoneutrons based on their position, allowing the subsequent thermal neutron detector to detect them without having to directly determine position information, thus resolving the information loss problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If X-rays are used for imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but photoneutron measurement is interfered by X-ray presence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidX-ray interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the photoneutron signal from the mixed radiation field by using a collimator that is sensitive to photoneutron position but insensitive to X-rays. This extraction allows the photoneutron imaging capability to be separated from the X-ray interference, enabling precise photoneutron measurement without contamination from the accompanying X-rays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The collimator serves as an intermediary that selectively interacts with photoneutrons while being insensitive to X-rays. This intermediary element allows the system to measure photoneutron position information without the harmful interference from X-rays, resolving the contradiction between imaging capability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single detector array is used, then device complexity is reduced, but complete imaging coverage is not achieved due to moderator volume constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector array configurationVSAvoidimaging coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the detection system from a single two-dimensional detector array to multiple arrays arranged in three-dimensional space. By adding the temporal dimension through staggered activation of multiple arrays, the system achieves complete imaging coverage without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual detector arrays, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and imaging coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables two-dimensional imaging of objects by maintaining position information of photoneutron rays and overcoming the limitations of single detector arrays, allowing for a full image of the object by preventing X-ray interference and position loss during moderation.

Implementation Method 1

collimating the photoneutron rays passing through the object by means of a neutron collimator so as to determine the position information of the photoneutron rays based on the position of the neutron collimator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation:

Implementation Method 2

the neutron moderator converts the photoneutrons into thermal neutrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron moderation:

Implementation Method 3

the thermal neutron detector measures the thermal neutrons so as to obtain attenuation information of the photoneutron ray beams upon passing through the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal neutron detection:

Implementation Method 4

it can easily occur to people to generate photoneutrons by way of X-rays impinging on a photoneutron target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoneutron generation:

Data Source

PatentUS8841627B2Method for imaging object using photoneutron transmission and detector arrays using the same

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 NUCTECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method for imaging an object by means of photoneutron transmission is provided. The method determines the position of the photoneutron rays based on the position of a neutron collimator, to overcome the problem of incapability of imaging due to loss of position information of the photoneutrons during moderation thereof. The method also images the object by arranging detector module arrays.