Semiconductor Radiation Detector Array for Multi-Radiation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held radiation detectors are limited by the scarcity of Helium-3, which restricts their use, and require complex and costly systems for detecting multiple radiation types, leading to increased size, weight, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an array of detectors and an integrated circuit (IC) that uses silicon or thin film technology to detect multiple radiations such as alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutron particles, with the IC implemented using CMOS or thin film technology, allowing for interchangeable pixelated arrays and low-voltage operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radiation detectors use Helium-3 tubes for neutron detection, then neutron particles can be detected, but the scarcity and slow production of He3+ limits availability and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single detector array that can detect multiple radiation types (alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutron particles) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized detectors for each radiation type. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for scarce Helium-3 tubes while maintaining reliable neutron detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from using rare isotopic materials (Helium-3) to using common semiconductor materials (silicon or thin film technology) that can be manufactured through standard CMOS or thin film processes, thereby improving availability and reducing cost while maintaining detection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional radiation detectors include separate processing systems and display units, then radiation data can be processed and displayed, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the detector array and processing circuits into a single unified device, eliminating the need for separate processing systems and display units. The integrated circuit processes radiation data internally and can interface directly with smartphones or personal computers, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining full processing and display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions including signal processing, data analysis, and interface operations, replacing the need for separate dedicated processing systems and display units. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of components required in the overall system.
3Reliability
If alternate detection systems such as photomultiplier tubes, air ionization chambers, and Geiger-Muller counters are used, then radiation detection capability is achieved, but the overall cost, area, and weight of the detector increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and vacuum-based detection systems (photomultiplier tubes, air ionization chambers, Geiger-Muller counters) with solid-state semiconductor detectors based on silicon or thin film technology. This substitution dramatically reduces the weight, area, and complexity of the detection system while maintaining reliable radiation detection capability across multiple radiation types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material composition of the detector from bulky vacuum tubes and gas-filled chambers to compact solid-state semiconductor structures, thereby reducing weight and area while preserving detection functionality.
4Reliability
If photomultiplier tubes, air ionization chambers, and Geiger-Muller counters are used for radiation detection, then radiation can be detected, but the power required for operating these systems is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-power vacuum tube and gas-filled detector systems with low-power solid-state semiconductor detectors. The silicon or thin film-based detectors require minimal power for operation, eliminating the high power consumption associated with photomultiplier tubes, air ionization chambers, and Geiger-Muller counters while maintaining reliable detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the detector system by transitioning from high-power vacuum and gas-based systems to low-power solid-state systems, thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while preserving detection reliability.
5Reliability
If JFET and bipolar transistor circuits are used for building amplifiers in radiation detectors, then single radiation detection is achieved, but the design becomes complex and requires high operational voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single detector array that can detect multiple radiation types simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized detection circuits for each radiation type. This reduces circuit design complexity compared to using JFET and bipolar transistor circuits designed for single radiation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from complex JFET and bipolar transistor circuits requiring high operational voltages to simpler CMOS or thin film-based integrated circuits that operate at lower voltages and can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes, thereby reducing both design complexity and operational requirements.
6Reliability
If JFET and bipolar transistor circuits are used for radiation detection, then single radiation types can be detected, but integration on a single IC for detecting multiple radiations is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single detector array that inherently detects multiple radiation types (alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutron particles) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized detectors for each radiation type. This multi-functional approach is naturally integrated into a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from using rare isotopic materials (Helium-3) to using common semiconductor materials (silicon or thin film technology) that can be manufactured through standard CMOS or thin film processes, thereby improving availability and reducing cost while maintaining detection 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 system provides a cost-effective, portable, and high-resolution radiation detection capability, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple radiation types without the need for in-built processing circuits, allowing for interfacing with smartphones and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an array of detectors for receiving the multiple radiations, which may include multiple types of radiation... Each detector detects a specific type of radiation and generates a corresponding detector output signal
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5B
AI summary
A system (102) for detecting radiations includes an array of detectors (106) for receiving the radiations and an integrated circuit (IC) (108). Each detector detects a specific type of radiation and generates a corresponding detector output signal. The IC receives the corresponding detector output signal from each detector and generates an output signal that is indicative of detecting the radiations. The array of detectors is implemented using at least one of a silicon technology and a thin film technology. The IC is implemented using at least one of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology and the thin film technology.