Tiled Filter Array for Neutron-Gamma Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear-radiation detection methods require fast and expensive electronics to differentiate between neutrons and gamma rays using pulse-shape discrimination, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A tiled filter array is used with a scintillator that emits photons in two non-overlapping wavelength bands, allowing for the discrimination between neutrons and gamma rays by estimating the ratio of photons in these bands using a checkerboard pattern of filters and photodetectors, eliminating the need for fast electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulse-shape discrimination technique is used to differentiate between neutrons and gamma rays, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requirement of fast electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillator is divided into multiple segments with different wavelength emission characteristics. Each segment emits photons in a specific wavelength range when excited by particle interactions, allowing spectral discrimination without complex electronics. The segmentation enables parallel detection of different particle types through wavelength-based differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic pulse-shape discrimination system with an optical wavelength discrimination system. Instead of using fast electronics to analyze temporal characteristics of scintillator pulses, the invention uses optical filters and photodetectors to measure wavelength distributions, substituting a simpler optical measurement system for complex electronic processing.
2Measurement precision
If pulse-shape discrimination technique is used to differentiate between neutrons and gamma rays, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases due to expensive fast electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively inexpensive optical components such as standard optical filters and photodetectors instead of expensive fast electronics. These simpler, lower-cost components achieve the same discrimination function through wavelength-based detection, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes an expensive electronic processing system with a simpler optical measurement system. By using optical filters to separate wavelength bands and photodetectors to measure photon counts in each band, the system achieves particle discrimination without requiring costly fast electronics, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Measurement precision
If fast electronics are used for pulse-shape discrimination, then particle discrimination accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to complex processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillator is segmented into multiple regions that emit photons at different wavelengths when excited by different particle types. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection and discrimination of multiple particle types through wavelength-based identification, eliminating the need for complex temporal processing and improving detection throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic pulse processing with simpler optical wavelength filtering and photon counting. This substitution reduces processing complexity and improves productivity by enabling parallel detection across multiple wavelength channels without the bottlenecks of fast electronic processing.
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 enables accurate discrimination between neutrons and gamma rays without the burden of expensive electronics, improving detection efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator that is configured to (isotropically) emit photons when a particle (e.g., a neutron, gamma ray, etc.) interacts with scintillator material of the scintillator
Implementation Method 2
a filter array that includes a plurality of filters, whereby the plurality of filters comprises a first set of filters configured to allow passage therethrough of photons having wavelengths in a first wavelength band (w1), while preventing passage therethrough of photons having wavelengths outside of w1
Implementation Method 3
a first photodetector that is optically coupled to at least one filter (e.g., a first filter) in the first set of filters; and a second photodetector that is optically coupled to at least one filter (e.g., a second filter) in the second set of filters
Data Source
AI summary
The various technologies presented herein relate to a tiled filter array that can be used in connection with performance of spatial sampling of optical signals. The filter array comprises filter tiles, wherein a first plurality of filter tiles are formed from a first material, the first material being configured such that only photons having wavelengths in a first wavelength band pass therethrough. A second plurality of filter tiles is formed from a second material, the second material being configured such that only photons having wavelengths in a second wavelength band pass therethrough. The first plurality of filter tiles and the second plurality of filter tiles can be interspersed to form the filter array comprising an alternating arrangement of first filter tiles and second filter tiles.