Spherical Detector Anode Segmentation for Field Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spherical detectors face challenges in balancing the need for large detection volumes with reduced dimensions, as increasing the radius requires higher voltages and stiffer anode supports, leading to potential breakdowns and insufficient amplification in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A spherical detector design featuring an anode composed of an insulating central ball surrounded by conductive satellite balls, allowing for adjustable electric fields and reduced disturbance from the holding rod, enabling detection performance across various sizes from 10 cm to 10 m in diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the radius of the spherical detector is increased to achieve large detection volume, then the detection volume is improved, but the required voltage increases and breakdown phenomena occur
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into multiple conductive balls positioned at different radial distances from the central axis. This segmentation allows each ball to contribute to the electric field in a specific region, enabling the detector to maintain reliable operation at higher voltages required for large detection volumes without experiencing breakdown phenomena.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional single-point anode to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple conductive balls distributed radially. This dimensional change creates a more uniform electric field distribution throughout the detection volume, allowing large detectors to operate at appropriate voltages without breakdown while maintaining effective charge collection.
2Volume of stationary object
If the radius of the spherical detector is reduced for portability, then the device size is reduced, but the amplification field becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
In small portable detectors, the segmented anode structure with multiple conductive balls at different radial positions creates enhanced electric field gradients in the limited space available. This segmentation allows the detector to achieve sufficient amplification field strength without requiring large detector dimensions, enabling portability while maintaining detection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive balls are positioned at specific radial distances to create locally optimized electric fields. In small detectors, this local quality enhancement ensures that the amplification field is concentrated where needed, compensating for the reduced overall detector size and maintaining effective signal amplification in portable applications.
3Device complexity
If a conventional central anode is used in large detectors, then the structure is simple, but the holding rod causes electric field disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into multiple conductive balls arranged radially around the central axis, which eliminates the need for a long central holding rod extending into the detection volume. This segmentation removes the primary source of electric field disturbances while maintaining structural support through alternative means, thus reducing harmful field distortions in large detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the holding rod from the central detection region by positioning conductive balls at different radial distances. This extraction removes the holding rod's disruptive influence on the electric field while preserving the structural support function, thereby eliminating electric field disturbances in large detector configurations.
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 design achieves efficient charge collection and amplification in both large and small detectors, minimizing electric field disturbances and preventing breakdowns, while maintaining effective signal amplification and portability.
Implementation Method 1
The gas filling the spherical enclosure is thus chosen so that the particles interact with it to create charges which will migrate towards the anode
Implementation Method 2
The electric field applied between the electrodes allows: to cause the electrons created by ionization of the gas to drift as far as the ball by creating a radial field
Implementation Method 3
to produce an 'avalanche' near the ball to amplify the signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detection device (100) comprising a cathode (10) forming a hollow sphere (11), filled with an ionization and amplification gas, and an anode (20) placed at the center of said hollow sphere (11) by means of a holding rod (23); said detection device (100) being characterized in that said anode (20) is formed by an insulating ball (21) and by at least two conductive balls (22) positioned around said insulating ball (21) and at the same predetermined distance from said insulating ball (21).