Wearable Neutron Dosimeter Using Dual Sensors and a Moderator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal neutron dosimeters struggle to accurately measure neutron doses across a wide energy range (0.5 eV to 20 MeV) in real time due to varying neutron energies and lack of a single sensor capable of correctly responding over 10 orders of magnitude, leading to overestimation or underestimation of radiation risk, and are often too large to be wearable.
Innovation Solution
A wearable dosimeter using a combination of slow neutron sensors and a moderator, calibrated with monoenergetic reference fields, calculates neutron dose by analyzing the ratio of signals from sensors positioned differently within a hydrogenated material to account for varying neutron energies, providing real-time measurements of Hp(10) through electronic processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to detect neutrons across all energies, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because no single sensor correctly responds over 10 orders of magnitude in energy
Solution Approach 1:
The dosimeter divides the neutron detection function into multiple sensors, each optimized for specific energy ranges. The system segments the broad energy spectrum into manageable portions using sensors with different responses to slow, epithermal, and fast neutrons, thereby achieving accurate measurement across all energies without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The dosimeter system performs multiple detection functions simultaneously using different sensors. Each sensor type detects specific neutron energy ranges, and the combined output provides universal coverage across the entire neutron energy spectrum from thermal to fast neutrons, enabling a single device to handle diverse measurement requirements
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and a moderator are used to achieve accurate energy-dependent measurements, then the measurement precision improves, but the device size increases making it non-wearable
Solution Approach 1:
The dosimeter design nests multiple sensors and the moderator in a compact hierarchical arrangement. The moderator is positioned to surround or contain the sensors, creating a space-efficient configuration where components are nested within each other rather than arranged separately, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining functional effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The dosimeter employs thin moderator layers and compact sensor configurations that minimize the device volume. The use of thin films and flexible arrangements allows the multiple sensors and moderator to be integrated in a compact form factor suitable for personal wear, eliminating the need for bulky traditional dosimeter designs
3Device complexity
If passive dosimeters are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed of information delivery deteriorates as they cannot provide real-time measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The dosimeter replaces passive mechanical or chemical detection systems with active electronic sensors and signal processing. The electronic sensors provide immediate electrical signals that are processed in real-time, substituting slow deferred reading mechanisms with fast electronic information delivery while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The dosimeter system performs self-service by automatically processing sensor signals and providing real-time dose information without requiring external intervention for reading. The electronic system continuously monitors and displays measurements, eliminating the need for periodic laboratory analysis required by passive dosimeters
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 dosimeter accurately measures neutron doses from slow to high energies in real time, reducing uncertainty and enabling timely protective actions, while being compact enough for personal wear.
Implementation Method 1
a moderator (5) consisting of or comprising polyethylene, hydrogenated plastic, water, paraffin or other hydrogenated or deuterated compounds
Implementation Method 2
a matrix (3) containing a certain amount of absorbent material (terms considered synonyms within this description) for slow neutrons
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dosimeter (A) wearable by a human subject which includes:at least a first slow neutron sensor S1; a matrix containing a certain amount of absorbent material for slow neutrons;at least a second slow neutron sensor S2; a moderator consisting of or comprising polyethylene, hydrogenated plastic, water, paraffin or other hydrogenated or deuterated compounds.