Detectors for x-rays and neutrons
OwnerLee Grodzins, Peter Rothschildinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for detecting neutrons, particularly, with directional sensitivity. The apparatus is a detector with a scintillator containing high neutron-capture-cross-section atoms for capturing neutrons and emitting electromagnetic radiation, and an optical detector for detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation and for generating an electrical signal. The high neutron-capture-cross-section atoms may be gadolynium, in particular, and the detector may additionally have a moderator for converting fast neutrons into thermal neutrons that are then captured by the high neutron-capture-cross-section atoms.
Claims15
A detector for detecting neutrons, the detector comprising:
- a. a scintillator containing high neutron-capture-cross-section atoms for capturing the neutrons and emitting electromagnetic radiation;
- and
- b. an optical detector for detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation and generating an electrical signal.
A method for detecting neutrons, the method comprising:
- a. providing a scintillator containing high neutron-capture-cross-section atoms for capturing the neutrons and emitting electromagnetic radiation, at least one dimension of the scintillator exceeding the mean free path in the scintillator of a photon of a specified wavelength range;
- and
- b. detecting photons at the specified wavelength range with a photodetector characterized by a position with respect to the scintillator.
A detector for detecting high-energy photons with enhanced efficiency, the detector comprising:
- a. a first scintillator screen in a path of photons;
- b. a heavy element backing in a path of photons that have traversed the first scintillator screen for generating Auger electrons and concomitant secondary photons;
- and
- c. a photodetector for detecting visible photons arising in the first scintillator screen.
A method for detecting concealed fissile material comprising:
- a. providing:
- i. a first scintillator screen for absorbing massive fission products and generating visible light;
- ii. a second scintillator screen in a path of photons that have traversed the first scintillator screen;
- iii. a heavy element backing in a path of photons that have traversed the second scintillator screen for generating Auger electrons and concomitant secondary photons;
- and
- b. detecting visible photons arising in the first and second scintillators.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.