Radiation Detector Modulation for Low-Noise Intensity Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nuclear detectors face challenges with high background noise, which increases detection limits and requires longer measurement times, especially in low-level radiation monitoring and in-situ measurements, making it difficult to accurately characterize objects.

Innovation Solution

A compact detection device with a movable modulator that modulates radiation intensity using an absorbing portion and a support, combined with a control unit to rotate relative to the detector, and a processing unit to analyze detection signals through autocorrelation, allowing for improved signal processing in the presence of background noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding is placed around the detector to protect from background noise, then background noise is reduced, but the weight of the equipment increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackground noiseVSAvoidequipment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shielding function into two parts: a stationary detector and a separate movable modulator with absorbing portions. The modulator segments the radiation field dynamically, allowing background noise reduction without requiring complete surrounding shielding, thus reducing overall equipment weight while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic modulator that can move relative to the detector, changing its position to modulate incident radiation intensity. This dynamic approach replaces static heavy shielding with a lightweight movable component that achieves noise reduction through temporal modulation rather than physical blockage from all directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If measurement time is increased to lower detection limit in presence of high background noise, then detection limit is reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection limitVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic modulation of radiation intensity using the modulator, creating alternating high and low intensity periods. The processing unit analyzes signals at specific phases of this periodic modulation, enabling background noise filtering and improved detection limits without requiring extended measurement times, thus maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing unit receives detection signals, analyzes them to determine radiation intensity while accounting for background noise, and uses this information to characterize the object. This feedback loop enables real-time noise compensation, allowing accurate measurements with shorter measurement times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If a modulator is added to reduce background noise influence, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a modulator as an intermediary component between the radiation source and detector. This modulator with absorbing portions selectively modulates radiation intensity without requiring complex electronic filtering or signal processing hardware, simplifying the overall device structure while improving detection sensitivity through physical radiation modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces detection limits by enhancing sensitivity to ionizing radiation intensity, enabling accurate measurements even in the presence of strong background noise, and allows for efficient radiological characterization of objects.

Implementation Method 1

The modulator comprises a first portion, called an absorbing portion, designed to absorb part of the incident radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4430432B1Ionizing radiation detector with a modulator for modulating the incident radiation intensity

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

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AI summary

A method for radiologically characterizing an emitting object, using a device, the device comprising an ionizing radiation detector which is configured to interact with particles forming the ionizing radiation and to generate a detection signal that is dependent on the intensity of the ionizing radiation incident on the detector. The device also comprises a modulator comprising at least one absorbent portion which is configured to absorb some of the ionizing radiation. The device comprises a control unit for periodically moving the absorbent portion to face the collimator, and a processing unit for estimating the intensity of the radiation incident on the detection device.