Segmented Silicon Drift Detector for Multi-Radiation Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-radiation detection systems are not portable, not suitable for surface contamination applications, and have poor efficiencies, making them inadequate for efficient decontamination and decommissioning of nuclear power plants.
Innovation Solution
A multi-radiation identification and dosimetry system utilizing segmented silicon drift detectors (SSDD) coupled with radiation scintillation detectors (RSD), employing time-stamped differentiation to distinguish between directly absorbed and scintillated radiation, allowing for the simultaneous detection of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations, and optionally using a vacuum enclosure for improved alpha spectroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate beta-gamma counting devices are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ability to detect all radiation types (alpha, beta, gamma) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radiation detection capabilities (alpha, beta, and gamma detection) into a single integrated portable device. The system merges the functionality of separate detectors by using a semiconductor detector that can identify and count all three radiation types simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device is designed with universal functionality to detect and differentiate multiple radiation types (alpha, beta, and gamma) using a single semiconductor detector. The device can perform various measurement functions including radiation type identification, counting, and dosimetry, making it a multi-functional tool that replaces several specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory-based sampling and analysis methods are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical and procedural system of physical sampling, transportation, and laboratory analysis with an electronic field-based detection system. The portable semiconductor detector performs in-situ measurements, substituting the entire mechanical workflow with electronic detection and data processing, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary radiation assessment directly at the measurement location, eliminating the need for subsequent laboratory analysis. By conducting the complete measurement and identification process on-site, the system performs the analytical action preliminarily, preventing the need for additional sampling and analysis steps.
3Ease of operation
If a portable device is used, then the ease of operation and productivity are improved, but the measurement precision and detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core detection and identification functionality from complex laboratory equipment and concentrates it into a portable device. By taking out only the essential measurement capabilities and implementing them in a compact form factor with automated processing, the device achieves both portability and maintained measurement precision through focused functional extraction.
4Measurement precision
If extensive sampling and laboratory analysis are performed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical processes of sampling, transportation, and laboratory analysis with immediate electronic detection. The semiconductor detector performs measurements and identifications in real-time, substituting multi-step mechanical workflows with instantaneous electronic processing, thereby maintaining precision while eliminating time losses.
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 efficient, portable, and accurate monitoring of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations on surfaces, reducing the need for extensive sampling and analysis, thereby lowering costs and improving the efficiency of decontamination processes.
Implementation Method 1
the differentiation between radiations absorbed directly in the SSDD and the radiation absorbed in the RSD is performed by time-stamped differentiation
Implementation Method 2
radiation scintillation detectors (RSD), employing time-stamped differentiation to distinguish between directly absorbed and scintillated radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-radiation identification and dosimetry system and method that allows for monitoring of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation is disclosed. The system/method incorporates a segmented silicon drift detector (SSDD) that allows measurement of directly absorbed radiation in the semiconductor (betas, conversion electrons, Lx lines, and alphas) on one SSDD segment and radiation from a radiation scintillation detector (RSD) on multiple segments of the SSDD. With the anode side of the SSDD directed toward the radiation inspection surface (RIS), the SSDD+RSD stacked radiation detector collects radiation which is processed by a charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) and then processed by a time stamping differentiator (TSD). A computing control device (CCD) may be configured to collect the time stamp differentiation data from the various SSDD segments to permit the simultaneous discrimination of several types of radiation by and presentation of these radiation types and counts on a display monitor.