Portable Time-of-Flight Neutron Spectroscopy System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time of flight neutron spectroscopy requires extensive laboratory-based equipment and is impractical for on-site measurements due to the need for complex setup and operator expertise, especially in determining the start signal for timing processes.
Innovation Solution
A portable system comprising a first detector for gamma-ray detection and a second detector for neutron detection, coupled with a computer system that records coincidence events to determine the time-of-flight and energy of neutrons, utilizing field-programmable gate array technology for real-time processing and reducing data collection and post-processing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory-based equipment (accelerators or fission chamber approaches) is used for time of flight neutron spectroscopy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the traditional complex laboratory equipment into separate functional components: a portable fission source, handheld detectors for gamma-ray and neutron detection, and a separate processing unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall setup for field deployments while maintaining measurement precision through coordinated operation of these modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary between the detectors and the analysis system. This intermediary handles the complex tasks of coincidence event identification, time-of-flight calculation, and energy spectrum determination, thereby simplifying the operation for users while maintaining measurement precision through sophisticated signal processing.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory-based equipment is used for time of flight neutron spectroscopy, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to operator expertise requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capabilities through automated coincidence event identification and time-of-flight calculation. The processing unit automatically identifies correlated gamma-ray and neutron events, calculates flight times, and determines energy spectra without requiring manual intervention or sophisticated operator expertise, thereby maintaining precision while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing unit continuously monitors detector signals, identifies coincidence events based on pre-established criteria, and adjusts measurements in real-time. This feedback loop automates the analysis process and reduces the need for operator expertise while maintaining measurement precision through consistent, repeatable results.
3Measurement precision
If extensive laboratory-based equipment is used for time of flight neutron spectroscopy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to extensive data collection and post-processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing coincidence criteria and time window parameters before measurements are taken. The processing unit is pre-configured to automatically identify correlated events and calculate time-of-flight based on predetermined detector positions and geometric relationships, thereby reducing the need for extensive post-processing and improving measurement efficiency while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and manual data processing systems with electronic and computational methods. The processing unit automatically handles coincidence event identification, time-of-flight calculation, and energy spectrum determination through digital signal processing and algorithms, eliminating the need for extensive manual data collection and post-processing while maintaining measurement precision and significantly improving productivity.
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 on-site, portable, and user-friendly time of flight neutron spectroscopy measurements, reducing the need for extensive equipment and operator expertise, while providing accurate determination of neutron energy spectra in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a first detector adapted to be positioned at a first distance from a fission source, configured to detect a gamma-ray emitted from the fission source
Implementation Method 2
a second detector adapted to be positioned at a second distance from the fission source, configured to detect a neutron emitted from the fission source
Implementation Method 3
using the time difference between the detections of the gamma-ray and the neutron in the coincidence event, determine the time-of-flight of the detected neutron, and using the time-of-flight of the detected neutron, determine the energy of the detected neutron
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable time of flight neutron spectroscopy system 100 comprising a first detector 120 adapted to be positioned at a first distance 130 from a fission source 110, configured to detect a gamma-ray emitted from the fission source 110, a second detector 140 adapted to be positioned at a second distance 150 from the fission source 110, configured to detect a neutron emitted from the fission source 110, and a computer system 160 coupled to the first and second detectors 120, 140, configured to upon detection of a gamma-ray at the first detector 120, record the time of the event and trigger the start of a predetermined time window, upon detection of a neutron at the second detector 140 within the time window, record the time of the event and record the gamma-ray detection and the neutron detection as a coincidence event, using the time difference between the detections of the gamma-ray and the neutron in the coincidence event, determine the time-of-flight of the detected neutron, using the time-of-flight of the detected neutron, determine the energy of the detected neutron.