Sinuous Perforated Semiconductor Neutron Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor neutron detectors face inefficiencies due to neutron streaming and non-uniform detection responses, fragility of semiconductor fins, and challenges in filling perforations with neutron reactive materials, leading to reduced detection efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates sinuous channels such as chevron or sinusoidal shapes to reduce neutron streaming and strengthen semiconductor fins, while a low-pressure condensation method is used to efficiently fill perforations with neutron reactive materials like 10B or 6LiF, minimizing void spaces and leakage currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If straight channels are used to fill perforations with neutron reactive materials, then detection efficiency is improved, but neutron streaming occurs causing non-uniform detection response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces straight channels with curved channels that have sinuous, serpentine, or meandering configurations. This curvature prevents neutrons from streaming directly through the detector while still allowing the channels to be filled with neutron reactive materials, thereby maintaining detection efficiency while eliminating the non-uniform response caused by streaming.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is divided into multiple discrete curved channels separated by semiconductor fins. This segmentation allows each channel to be independently filled with neutron reactive materials while the fins provide structural support and prevent streaming between channels, achieving both high detection efficiency and uniform response.
2Measurement precision
If thin semiconductor fins are used to separate channels, then channel density is increased improving detection efficiency, but mechanical strength is reduced causing fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The curved configuration of channels allows for optimized fin thickness while maintaining structural integrity. The sinuous path of channels reduces stress concentrations on the fins compared to straight channels, enabling the use of thinner fins for higher channel density without compromising mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the structure: the channels are made sinuous to reduce streaming and stress, while the fins are optimized for both mechanical support and electrical isolation. This local differentiation allows thin fins to provide sufficient strength while maintaining high channel density for improved detection efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If conventional filling methods are used to fill perforations with neutron reactive materials, then detection efficiency is improved, but void spaces and leakage currents increase reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical filling methods (such as vapor deposition or liquid infiltration) with a field-based approach using electric or magnetic fields to guide and deposit neutron reactive materials. This substitution enables complete filling of curved channels without void spaces and ensures proper electrical isolation, thereby achieving high detection efficiency while eliminating leakage currents and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary deposition process that uses controlled field mechanisms to transport and deposit neutron reactive materials into the curved channels. This intermediary process ensures uniform filling without creating void spaces and simultaneously establishes proper electrical boundaries, resolving the conflict between detection efficiency 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
This approach results in non-streaming, high-efficiency neutron detectors with a flat and uniform detection efficiency response, enhanced mechanical strength, and improved reliability, suitable for various applications including personal dosimetry and neutron radiography.
Implementation Method 1
neutron-responsive material disposed in the array of sinuous channels. The material is responsive to neutrons absorbed thereby for releasing ionizing radiation reaction products
Implementation Method 2
a low-pressure condensation method is used to efficiently fill perforations with neutron reactive materials
Data Source
AI summary
Non-streaming high-efficiency perforated semiconductor neutron detectors, method of making same and measuring wands and detector modules utilizing same are disclosed. The detectors have improved mechanical structure, flattened angular detector responses, and reduced leakage current. A plurality of such detectors can be assembled into imaging arrays, and can be used for neutron radiography, remote neutron sensing, cold neutron imaging, SNM monitoring, and various other applications.