Radiation detectors employing contemporaneous detection and decontamination
AssigneeSavannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
InventorsGeorge K. Larsen, III, Simona E. Hunyadi Murph
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Abstract
Radiation detectors and methods of using the radiation detectors that provide a route for surface decontamination during use are described. The detectors utilize light illumination of an internal surface during use. Light is in the longer UV-to-near-infrared spectra and desorbs contamination from internal surfaces of radiation detectors. The methods can be carried out while the detectors are in operation, preventing the appearance of the negative effects of radioactive and non-radioactive contamination during a detection regime and following a detection regime.
Claims16
A radiation detector comprising a light source in optical communication with an internal surface of the radiation detector, the light source being configured to decontaminate the internal surface by directing light having a wavelength from about 255 nanometers to about 2500 nm at the internal surface of the radiation detector contemporaneous with operation of the radiation detector to establish radiation detection conditions of the radiation detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.