CERN Document Server

CZT Detector and HXI Development at CASS/UCSD

CERN Document Server

The Rayleigh scattering length has been calculated for rare-gas liquids in the ultraviolet for the frequencies at which they luminesce. The calculations are based on the measured dielectric constants in the gas phase, except in the case of xenon for which measurements are available in the liquid. The scattering length mayplace constraints on the design of some large-scale detectors, using uv luminescence, being proposed to observe solar neutrinos and dark matter. Rayleigh scattering in mixtures of rare-gas mixtures is also discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A brief comparative review of possible mercury free fluorescent lighting technologies is presented, including rare-gas positive column discharges, molecular discharges, and dielectric barrier discharges. Detailed experimental results on xenon positive column discharges will then be considered. In order to judge whether xenon-based discharges are a viable UV source it is necessary to measure the radiant emittance (power per unit area) for the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) resonance xenon emission at 147 nm. Two techniques to determine the VUV radiant emittance have been developed and applied to xenon discharges. One method combines the measured resonance level density using absorption spectroscopy and a calculation of the trapped decay rate for the resonance radiation to arrive at the radiant emittance at 147 nm. A second method utilizes a direct measurement of the radiance (power per ...

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A krypton recovery pilot plant has been completed for the Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation. This is the first industrial facility in the world to make practical use of development results for offgas treatment and storage from nuclear facilities. The cryogenic distillation process was adopted as a proven and reliable method to separate krypton and xenon, and to reduce gas effuents to a level so low that the decontamination factor amounts to more than 1000.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Research reactors have been playing a multi dimensional role in areas of nuclear fuel cycle programme, radio-isotope productions, neutron beam research etc. To ensure an efficient, smooth and safe operation of a nuclear research reactor, many reactor physics evaluations are required on routine basis. As part of reactor core management the important activities are maintaining core reactivity status, core power distribution, xenon estimations, safety evaluation of in-pile irradiation samples and experimental assemblies and assessment of nuclear safety in fuel handling/storage. In-pile irradiation requires a prior estimation of the reactivity load due to the sample, heating rate and the activity developed in it during irradiation. For the safety of the personnel handling irradiated samples the dose rate at the surface of shielded flask housing the irradiated sample should be less than 200 mR/Hr. Therefore, a proper shielding and ...

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Many monitoring activities require the collection of whole air samples over an extended time interval without loss or concentration of any atmospheric constituents. Described is the development and laboratory testing of a whole air sampler capable of collecting a 100 liter sample over a period of 0.63 days. The sampler has an empty weight of 7.79 kg and an overall size of 20.8-cm {times} 20.8-cm {times} 66.1-cm. The conceptual design for the development of smaller, higher-performance whole air samplers is also reported.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate a method of locating breached fuel within the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor based on the relative response of the delayed neutron monitors (DNM) located on each of the three primary sodium cooling loops. The primary method of location is the use of tag gas containing unique ratios of the noble gases xenon and krypton. Although the tag gas system works quite well, it is relatively expensive because of the costs of preparing and loading the gas into each fuel pin. Triangulation of DNM signals could potentially decrease tag gas costs while maintaining overall location reliability.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To investigate the characteristics of a reactor and a neutron generator, a small scintillation detector with an optical fiber with ThO_2 has been developed to measure fast neutrons. However, experimental facilities where "2"3"2Th can be used are limited by regulations, and S/N ratio is low because the background counts of this detector are increase by alpha decay of "2"3"2Th. The purpose of this study is to develop a new optical fiber detector for measuring fast neutrons that does not use nuclear material such as "2"3"2Th. From the measured and calculated results, the new optical fiber detector which uses ZnS(Ag) as a converter material together with a scintillator have the highest detection efficiency among several developed detectors. It is applied for the measurement of reaction rates generated from fast neutrons; ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

High (spatial) resolution imaging detectors for X-ray astronomy were developed. Several prototype detectors built and their feasibility and baseline performance were assessed. Two of these detector types are proposed for investigations on the advanced X-ray astrophysics facility (AXAF). The readiness of a new X-ray imaging system, the charge coupled device (CCD) imaging specctrometer is outlined, and state of the art performance parameters for microchannel plate (MCP) and CCD detectors are measured. Laboratory facilities and procedures for coating MCP are developed general high resolution imagery systems are analyzed.

CERN Document Server

The internal-tracking-system (ITS) of the ALICE detector at LHC, consists of six concentrical barrels of silicon detectors. The outmost two layers are made of double-sided strip detectors (SSD). In the framework of a R and D, the characteristics and performances of these devices, manufactured by two different companies, associated with their designed read-out electronics, have been studied off- and in-beam at the SPS (CERN). The results are presented and discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The reactor core of TAPP-3 and 4 is divided into 14 power zones for spatial power control. Corresponding to each zone is a light water zonal compartment. The 14 ZCCs are located in two radial planes, each containing 7 ZCCs. For each zone, power measurement is carried out using three cobalt Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) at appropriate locations close to the respective ZCC. Since the zone power as obtained by the true average of the healthy zone control detector (ZCD) readings belonging to a particular zone may not correspond to its actual power because these 3 detectors per zone, measure only point fluxes but the zone extends over a large core region. Therefore accurate estimation of zone power calibration factors is required to estimate the zone powers and also to provide effective spatial power control to avoid the xenon induced spatial power oscillations in large PHWRs like 540 MWe Reactor. ...

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In this paper, the design of large thin PIN detector with a membrane stress avoidance configuration is proposed, and the related device fabrication process is developed. Ultra-thin PIN detector {approx} 1.13 cm{sup 2} in area is fabricated on a thin ( {approx} 35{mu}m) silicon membrane, and characterized. Detector performance improvement has been successfully demonstrated. With the membrane stress avoidance design, the improved detector exhibits a leakage of 6nA, which is at least 5 times lower than that of detector of identical junction area. The new detector features a full depleted capacitance of 110 pF, and a FWHM of 40.86 keV energy resolution for 5.486 MeV alpha particle spectrography.

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Encapsulation of a unique isotopic blend of krypton and xenon gas employs a special application of laser technology. The encapsulated gas is then used as the primary medium for detection and identification of failed nuclear fuel rods. The use of gas tagging as a means of detecting and identifying failed nuclear fuel rods has been successfully demonstrated and used by the Argonne National Laboratory, Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-2) Project, and the Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC), Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Fast Breeder Reactor Program. The Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC) of Japan has selected this leak detection system for use in their MONJU Prototype Reactor fuel assemblies. The MONJU reactor is almost identical in design to the highly successful FFTF reactor, which is currently in standby status.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Based on a recently introduced phase X-ray imaging approach, a dual-detector prototype was developed for in-line X-ray phase imaging and phase retrieval utilizing a micro-focus X-ray source and two computed radiography (CR) cassette detectors. The system was built on a horizontal optical rail to facilitate manual adjustment of the positions of the X-ray source, the sample and the detectors. The novel design of the detector-1 is essential, it detects a portion of radiation to form an attenuation image; allows the rest of radiation to reach the detector-2 to form a phase contrast image, and the two images are used to retrieve a phase map. The two detectors are balanced for optimal phase-retrieval with reasonable radiation dose to the object to be imaged. The system was examined in terms of the linearity, the fractions of the X-ray photons ...

CERN Document Server

A study on the aging process of gas detectors was presented. How the development of more performing but delicate detectors, the use of faster but aggressive gases, and the need to cover large areas, led to unexpected problems was discussed. Various methods for curing aged detectors were also highlighted. (Edited abstract) 37 Refs.

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A new focal plane detector for an Enge split pole spectrograph has been developed which is able to resolve individual elements and isotopes up to the mass 100 region. It consists of a 60 cm long position sensitive parallel plate avalanche counter backed by a large Bragg curve detector. Compared with other position sensitive focal plane counters the new detector system has a very good time resolution (less than 300 ps) and can be operated at much higher counting rates (up to 25 kHz). The intrinsic resolution of the position detector is less than 1 mm. In addition to the energy and the nuclear charge signal obtained from the Bragg curve detector the angle of incidence into the detector can be measured with an accuracy of better than 1/sup 0/. The detector has already been used in a variety of experiments where good timing, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An imaging position sensitive detector for charged particles, neutrons, X-and gamma rays has been developed. The novel feature of this scintillation imaging radiation detector is its ability to detect individual nuclear particle scintillations with a h igh degree of spatial resolution. The key elements of this detector system are a high gain, low noise image intensifier tube, a CCD camera and commercially available image processing hardware and software. This detector system is highly effective for applications such as low fluence and real time neutron radiography, mapping of radioactive contamination in nuclear reactor fuel rods, X-ray diffraction imaging, high speed autoradiography and in general position sensitive detection of nuclear radiation. Results of some of the exploratory experiments carried out using this detector system are presented in this paper. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A large area Bragg curve spectroscopy (BCS) detector and a position sensitive parallel grid avalanche counter have been developed to study heavy ion reactions, such as inelastic excitations and few nucleon transfer reactions near the Coulomb barrier. Reasonably good resolutions have been achieved for energy, atomic number and angle. A theoretical investigation on the mass dependence of the Bragg peak signal from the BCS detector, shows that there is a negligible mass dependence related to the geometry of the detector. The mass number of the heavy ions which cannot be obtained by the above method, has been identified by detecting the corresponding characteristic gamma rays from the product nuclei with two large solid angle gamma ray detectors. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A large acceptance, high stopping power, Bragg curve spectrometer has been developed for use in coincidence experiments with heavy ions. The electron collection fields are radial and position information is obtained from a resistive anode. The detector is 60 cm deep and operates at pressures of up to 2.5 atm of P-10 gas. It is mated to a scattering chamber which allows it to be moved out of plane during coincidence measurements. The detector design was aided by the results of computer simulations of the electron collection process in the detector, and of the signal processing in the electronics. The signals from the Bragg curve spectrometer are recorded in a waveform digitizer and the Bragg peak height, range, position and pileup rejection information are determined from software analysis of the recorded signals. Factors limiting the performance of the detector are discussed, and ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

An evaporative cooling system developed for operation and qualification testing of silicon pixel and microstrip detectors for the inner tracking detector of the CERN ATLAS spectrometer is described. Silicon detector substrates must be continuously operated between 0 and ???7?C in the high radiation environment near the circulating beams at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This requirement imposes unusual constraints on the cooling system and has led to the choice of perfluoro-n-propane (C3F8) refrigerant, which combines good chemical stability under ionizing radiation with high dielectric strength and nonflammability. Since the silicon detectors must also be of extremely light construction to minimize undesirable physics background, coolant tubes are of thin (200 ?m) aluminum wall, wh...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Realization of the scale of spectral responsivity of the detectors in the Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals (DMDM) is based on silicon detectors traceable to LNE-INM. In order to realize the unit of spectral irradiance in the laboratory for photometry and radiometry of the Bureau of Measures and Precious Metals, the new method based on the calibration of the spectroradiometer by comparison with standard detector has been established. The development of the method included realization of the System of Spectral Comparisons (SSC), together with the detector spectral responsivity calibrations by means of a primary spectrophotometric system. The linearity testing and stray light analysis were preformed to characterize the spectroradiometer. Measurement of aperture diameter and calibration of transimpedance amplifier were part of the overall experiment. In this paper, the ...

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This document presents the current status of SiD's effort to develop an optimized design for an experiment at the International Linear Collider. It presents detailed discussions of each of SiD's various subsystems, an overview of the full GEANT4 description of SiD, the status of newly developed tracking and calorimeter reconstruction algorithms, studies of subsystem performance based on these tools, results of physics benchmarking analyses, an estimate of the cost of the detector, and an assessment of the detector R&D needed to provide the technical basis for an optimised SiD.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The advanced detector development project at the University of Michigan has completed the first full year of its current funding. Our general goals are the development of radiation detectors and spectrometers that are capable of portable room temperature operation. Over the past 12 months, we have worked primarily in the development of semiconductor spectrometers with {open_quotes}single carrier{close_quotes} response that offer the promise of room temperature operation and good energy resolution in gamma ray spectroscopy. We have also begun a small scale effort at investigating the properties of a small non-spectroscopic detector system with directional characteristics that will allow identification of the approximate direction in which gamma rays are incident. These activities have made use of the extensive clean room facilities at the University of Michigan ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Researchers at the Laboratory of Nuclear Microanalysis in Besancon (France) are developing and improving radon measurements in order to detect and analyse, more precisely radon emanation anomalies in both fields of Earth Sciences and Radioprotection. In order to characterize radon emanation, two complementary techniques are developed; continuous measurement through a portable proportional counter and passive measurements by nuclear track detectors for both fieldwork and laboratory analysis. A mathematical model is being devised to interpret the nuclear track detector response. This model is performed according to the device characteristics: type of detectors, shape and size of cells and whether a membrane is used or not. In addition to the theoritical study, experimental radon concentration measurements will be reported. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The detector for retrospective radon exposure measurements is developed. The detector consists of the multilayer package of solid-state nuclear track detectors LR-115 type. Nitrocellulose films works both as {alpha}-particle detector and as absorber decreasing the energy of {alpha}-particles. The uncertainties of implanted {sup 210}Pb measurements by two- and three-layer detectors are assessed in dependence on surface {sup 210}Po activity and gross background activity of the glass. The generalized compartment behavior model of radon decay products in the room atmosphere was developed and verified. It is shown that the most influencing parameters on the value of conversion coefficient from {sup 210}Po surface activity to average radon concentration are aerosol particles concentration, deposition velocity of unattached {sup 218}Po and air ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A method and apparatus for nuclear borehole logging, and in particular, neutron porosity logging, uses a neutron source, and a pair of spaced lithium detectors, preferably Li"6I crystal or Li"6 doped glass, to detect neutrons emitted from a borehole formation being logged. The spectrum developed by the lithium detectors is processed to remove the gamma ray background radiation and the hydrogen absorption peak, thus allowing a more accurate neutron count. A Gaussian curve is fitted to the neutron peak of the spectrum, the curve eliminating the hydrogen absorption peak. The area under this Gaussian curve represents the neutron count. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A large acceptance, high stopping power Bragg curve spectrometer has been developed for use in coincidence experiments with heavy ions. The electron collection fields are radial and position information is obtained from a resistive anode. The detector is 60 cm deep and operates at pressures of up to 2.5 atm of P-10 gas. It is mated to a scattering chamber which allows it to be moved out of plane during coincidence measurements. Factors affecting the performance of the detector are discussed, and results obtained with the detector are presented. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A theoretical model, which describes subband gap photoexcitation involving localized electronic states, was developed. The escape probability of a charge carrier trapped in a localized state is considered via Poole-Frenkel, direct tunneling, or phonon-assisted tunneling processes, as competing escape mechanisms. Photoelectrochemical experiments were performed on the passive films formed on zirconium and amorphous iron-zirconium alloys and on pure HfO/sub 2/ films and HfO/sub 2/ films implanted with varying concentrations of xenon. These films were found to possess some degree of disorder depending on the substrate, the thickness of the film, and the extent of implantation. The spectral dependence of the photocurrent in all of the films studied is considerably different from what was found for crystalline passive films. The potential dependence of the photocurrent yields Poole-Frenkel behavior. Reverse tunneling processes were also observed at ...

CERN Document Server

The development of a replacement to the conventional film based X-ray imaging technique is required for many reasons. One possible route for this is the use of a large area film of a suitable semiconductor overlaid on an amorphous silicon readout array. A suitable semiconductor exists in cadmium telluride and its tertiary alloy cadmium zinc telluride. In this thesis the spectroscopic characteristics of commercially available CZT X- and gamma-radiation detectors are established. The electronic, optical, electro-optic, structural and compositional properties of these detectors are then investigated. The attained data is used to infer a greater understanding for the carrier transport in a CZT radiation detector following the interaction of a high energy photon. Following this a method used to fabricate large area films of CdTe on a commercial scale is described. This is cathodic electrodeposition from an ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The RD50 collaboration has been exploring the development of radiation hard semiconductor devices for very high-luminosity colliders since 2002. The target fluence to qualify detectors set by the anticipated dose for the innermost tracking layers of the future upgrade of the CERN large hadron collider (LHC) is 1016 1MeV neutron equivalent (neq) cm-2. This is about an order of magnitude higher than the maximum dose for the most exposed silicon detectors in the current machine. RD50 investigates the radiation hardening of silicon sensors from many angles: improvement of the intrinsic tolerance of the substrate material, optimisation of the readout geometry and study of novel design of detectors. A review of some of the recent activities within RD50 is here presented.

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APEX (ATLAS Positron EXperiment), a collaborative effort of ANL, FSU, MSU/NSCL, Princeton, Queen`s, Rochester, Washington and Yale, is an experiment to study positron and electron production in very heavy ion collisions. The electrons and positrons are detected with two detector arrays, each consisting of 216 1 mm thick Si PIN diodes, and their energy and time-of-flight are measured. The number of detectors and limited space made it necessary to develop a system that could efficiently process and transfer signals from the detectors to the charge sensing ADC`s and data readout electronics as well as monitor the condition of the detectors. The discussion will cover the electronics designed for the Si detectors, including the charge amplifier, ``Mother board`` for the charge amplifiers, 8 channel Shaper, 16 channel Constant Fraction Discriminator (CFD), 16 channel ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neutron semiconductor detectors for neutron counting and neutron radiography have an increasing importance. Simple silicon neutron detectors are combination of a planar diode with a layer of an appropriate neutron converter such as 6LiF. These devices have limited detection efficiency of not more than 5%. The detection efficiency can be increased by creating a 3D microstructure of dips, trenches or pores in the detector and filling it with a neutron converter. The first results related to the development of such devices are presented. Silicon detectors were fabricated with pyramidal dips on the surface covered with 6LiF and then irradiated by thermal neutrons. Pulse height spectra of the energy deposited in the sensitive volume were compared with simulations. The detection efficiency of these devices was about 6.3%. Samples with different column sizes were fabricated to study the ...

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We report on the activities of the High Energy Physics Group at the University of Texas at Arlington for the period 1994-95. We propose the continuation of the research program for 1996-98 with strong participation in the detector upgrade and physics analysis work for the D0 Experiment at Fermilab, prototyping and pre-production studies for the muon and calorimeter systems for the ATLAS Experiment at CERN, and detector development and simulation studies for the PP2PP Experiment at Brookhaven.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We describe the early stage of development of an engineering model portable, real-time neutron spectrometer. Several systems of two distinct detector types, a helium 3 gas filled proportional counter and a bulk silicon solid state detector, will be necessary to cover the energy range from thermal to 500 MeV. The advantages and disadvantages of using a moderator were investigated experimentally.

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The history of explosives vapor detection includes almost every detection strategy known to man. Initial attempts to utilize these techniques were dismal failures. However, with the development of the Electron Capture Detector (ECD), the first promising detection of explosives vapors became possible. The present commercial explosives detectors detect the higher vapor pressure materials but not the whole spectrum. This paper describes the basic properties of explosives molecules and our research to utilize these properties for increased detection sensitivity.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In 1998, research began at Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory to investigate the application of "6Li and "7Li isotopes to the measurement of neutron and gamma radiation. Various size pairs of "6Li and "7Li based detectors were exposed to mixed neutron and gamma radiation. Experiments demonstrated that these detectors could be used to measure low level neutron radiation in the presence of high level gamma radiation. (author)

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High-purity and doped GaAs films have been grown by Liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) for development of a blocked impurity band (BIB) detector for far-infrared radiation. The film growth process developed has resulted in the capability to grow GaAs with a net active impurity concentration below 1 x 10{sup 13} cm{sup -3}, ideal for the blocking layer of the BIB detector. The growth of n-type LPE GaAs films with donor concentrations below the metal-insulator transition, as required for the absorbing layer of a BIB detector, has been achieved. The control of the donor concentration, however, was found to be insufficient for detector production. The growth by LPE of a high-purity film onto a commercially grown vapor-phase epitaxial (VPE) n-type GaAs doped absorbing layer resulted in a BIB device that showed a significant reduction in the low-temperature dark current ...

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A noninvasive method is described for estimating local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) and local partition coefficients by means of computed tomographic scanning during inhalation of 30% stable xenon gas in oxygen. Time-dependent xenon concentrations in arterial blood and brain tissue during the wash-in and washout phases are used to calculate partition coefficients and LCBF values by means of a least-squares curve-fitting analysis. Control values for partition coefficient and LCBF obtained from control subjects with minor head trauma in the chronic stage were compatible with those in several past reports, and reproducibility was satisfactory. The theoretic grounds underlying this new method of curve-fitting analysis are discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report discusses the following topics: Fusion-fission in light nuclear systems; High-resolution Q-value measurement for the {sup 24}Mg+{sup 24}Mg reaction; Heavy-ion reactions and limits to fusion; and Hybrid MWPC-Bragg curve detector development.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Explosives molecules have a number of unique properties. These properties are discussed. They include low vapor pressures, electronegativity, ''stickiness,'' frangibility, and thermal instability. The program for developing an advanced explosives detector is described.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A mathematical model of multichannel radiometric inspection system was developed, in which the measurement results are reproduced in the form of a half-tone image equivalent to the radiation image of the irradiated object. The model makes the following assumptions: the beam of radiation is fan-shaped; the object of inspection is scanned discretely; the focal spot of the source is rectangular; the apertures of the detector are round, and the detectors themselves are equidistant from the sources, aimed at it, and form a close-packed array; the signals from the detectors are processed according to a time scheme; and the measurement results are corrected in a computer for normalizing the gains of the channels of the system. The mathematical model can serve as the basis for developing a method of calculating the optimal parameters of a multichannel radiometric system with visualization ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the past, the need for high quality images, i.e., very sharp and clear images, in mammography have prevented mammography equipment from being digitalized; however, recent advances in detection technology such as development of a high resolution digital X-ray detector have produced improvements in digital mammography. Digital mammography is expected to replace conventional film-screen mammography. We have developed a digital mammography system, named ''SEPIO NUANCE DT'', which is equipped with a direct conversion flat panel detector. The present paper describes the high basic performance and user-friendly functions of the system. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The pure xenon dc positive column discharge has been characterized for various xenon pressures, currents, and discharge tube radii. The absolute output at the 147 nm resonance transition has been measured using two independent techniques to yield the radiant emittance at 147 nm (power per unit surface area). The efficiency of 147 nm production is obtained by combining the measured radiant emittance with the measured electrical power per unit length deposited in the gas. The radiant emittance and the efficiency are the two principle figures of merit for characterizing the discharge as a source of VUV radiation. It is observed that the trends in efficiency and radiant emittance change substantially when the discharge transitions from two-step electron impact excitation/ionization at higher pressures to single-step electron impact ionization at lower pressures. Modeling of the xenon positive column discharge yields radiant ...

CERN Document Server

Quartz fiber calorimetry is a technique the signal generation mechanism of which is based on the Cherenkov effect. In this article we try to give a comprehensive overview of the subject. We start with a general introduction to calorimetry where the basic elements that characterize the development of electromagnetic and hadronic showers are discussed. Then we describe in detail the operation principle and the properties of calorimeters equipped with quartz fibers. The main advantages of this type of calorimeters are the radiation hardness, the fast response and the compact detector dimensions, features that derive from the quartz material and the specific mechanism of operation. A section is devoted to presenting the quartz fiber calorimeters that have been built or planned to in various experiments to operate as centrality detectors, trigger detectors, luminosity monitors or general purpose very forward ...

Science.gov (United States)

One of the least understood regions of the upper atmosphere is the thermosphere, principally due to the difficulty of making observations. The neutral atmosphere is known to be highly variable, and its composition and density varies by several orders of magnitude due to solar activity, diurnal cycles, latitude, geomagnetic activity, and gravity waves. In the past, most in-situ measurements of the neutral atmosphere have utilized detectors that are dependent on arrival angle and energy accommodation of incoming species, so that information related to nascent velocity distribution and reactive species abundances is often masked. This paper will review design concepts and laboratory tests related to the development of a novel open-ionizer, neutral particle detector for space environment measurements which can overcome these limitations. The sensor features a very large field-of-view suitable for sounding rocket missions. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of the meeting was to bring together a number of scientists active in the development and use of passive radon monitoring instrumentation, primarily activated charcoal detectors and alpha track detectors. Many of those present expressed a desire to receive copies of the viewgraphs and other materials presented. Most have supplied extended abstracts or complete reports. These materials are reproduced here as a Technical Measurements Center Report for the benefit of those attending the meeting and for others interested in passive radon monitoring. Individual papers were processed separately for the data base.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the laboratory of Elementary Particle Physics and Detectors at the Faculty of Physics and Nuclear Techniques of the University of Mining and Metallurgy, research works on the development of proportional counters for the detection of X- and soft {gamma}-rays and {alpha}, {beta} particles have been carried out As a result of optimization of counters characteristic parameters such as: energy resolution, life time, count rate effect and temperature effect the operating stability has been reached and the elaborated detectors have been applied not only in research laboratories, but also in Polish industry, medicine and agriculture. Examples of above mentioned applications have been presented in the paper. (author). 7 refs, 7 figs, 1 tab.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The security of ports and transportation is of utmost importance for the development of economy and the security of a nation. Among the necessary actions to ensure the security of ports and borders, the inspection of containers is one of the most time consuming and expensive procedures. Potential threats are the illegal traffic of radioactive materials that could be employed for the construction of weapons, as uranium and plutonium. New techniques for the inspections of containers should be fast, allow the detection and identification of dangerous materials, and be non-invasive, to reduce costs and delays. We propose to build a large surface photon and neutron detector based on plastic scintillator to identify the presence of fissile or fertile material inside a container. The detector consists of scintillator bars, wrapped in thin foils of reflecting material containing gadolinium for neutron capture and arranged in planes ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In nuclear fuel, in approximately one quarter of the fissions, one of the two formed fission products is gaseous. These are mainly the noble gases xenon and krypton with isotopes of xenon contributing up to 90% of the product gases. These noble fission gases do not combine with other species, and have a low solubility in the normally used uranium oxide matrix. They can be dissolved in the fuel matrix or precipitate in nanometer-sized bubbles within the fuel grain, in micrometer-sized bubbles at the grain boundaries, and a fraction also precipitates in fuel pores, coming from fuel fabrication. A fraction of the gas can also be released into the plenum of the fuel rod. With increasing fission, and therefore burn-up, the ceramic fuel material experiences a transformation of its structure in the 'cooler' rim region of the fuel. A subdivision occurs of the original fuel grains of few microns size into thousands of small grains of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A complete heavy ion identification system in heavy ion reaction studies consists, in general, of: 1) a position sensitive avalanche counter, and 2) ionization chamber to obtain total energy as well as a heavy ion identifier signal (such as the E#DELTA#E signal from a E-#DELTA#E type detector or the height of the Bragg peak that scales as Z of the heavy ion in a Bragg curve ionization chamber). In addition, a time-of-flight information may be needed to resolve the masses of the ions. With this motivation in mind, a composite detector system consisting of a Bragg curve spectroscopy ionization chamber (BCS-IC) and a one dimensional position sensitive parallel grid avalanche counter (XPS-PGAC) has been developed and used successfully at the BARC-TIFR pelletron accelerator facility. The design and performance of this gas detector system are reported. (author). 4 refs., 2 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

CEA-Valduc produces some radioactive waste (mainly alpha emitters). Legislation requires producers to sort their waste by activity and type of isotopes, and to package them in order to forward them to the appropriate reprocessing or storage facility. Our lab LMDE (laboratory for measurements on nuclear wastes and valuation) is in charge of the characterization of the majority of waste produced by CEA-Valduc. Among non-destructive methods to characterize a radioactive object, gamma-spectroscopy is one of the most efficient. We present to this conference the method we use to characterize nuclear waste and the system we developed to characterize our germanium detectors. The goal of this system is to obtain reliable numerical models of our detectors and calculate their efficiency curves. Measurements are necessary to checks models and improve them. These measurements are made on a bench using pinpoint sources ("1"3"3Ba, ...

CERN Document Server

ACT Lectures on Detectors - Trigger and Data Acquisition (5/5)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The thesis deals with measurement of the mass of the W boson at LEP2, based on the direct reconstruction of its decay products in the hadronic channel. A set of procedures necessary for the extraction of the W mass from the experimental data collected with the DELPHI detector in 1997 was developed (search of optimal variables for the event selection, development of a special method of kinematical reconstruction). The measured value of the mass was interpreted in the framework of the Standard Model, allowing to constrain the mass of the Higgs boson. A substantial part of the work is devoted to systematic effects due to the interactions between the hadronic decay products of the W bosons (colour reconnection and Bose-Einstein correlations), which may significantly influence the measurement of their mass. (author) 53 refs., 104 figs., 33 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manned-space missions bring an exposure due to corpuscular radiations of which nature is quite different from what we encounter in the ground environment. In the space environment, many secondaries are produced through interactions of cosmic ray primaries with the spacecraft wall and other surrounding materials. Among this large variety of radiation components in the space, the contribution of neutrons to the radiation exposure of astronauts has remained to be studied. Up to today, efforts to measure neutron dose equivalent have been made using passive detector systems. Considering uncertainties involved in current measurements and estimations of high energy neutrons, and their increasing importance for future manned missions, it is necessary to measure neutron spectrum in the spacecraft under realistic conditions. The neutron spectra have never been measured on board a spacecraft, because the neutron measurement requires to discriminate between the neutron events ...

Science.gov (United States)

Based on a collisional-radiative model, an atomic-kinetic calculation of the gains on the 41.8-nm transitions of Pd-like xenon was performed for the plasma produced due to the interaction of a femtosecond laser pulse with gaseous xenon. The gains g(z,{tau}) averaged over the spatial and temporal coordinates were compared with the known gains which had been measured experimentally in Xe{sup 8+}. The amplification was shown to occur under the conditions of ionisation of the working ions, and the time of output radiation saturation depends on the time of Xe{sup 8+} transformation to higher-ionised ions. Our theoretical investigation enables determining the optimal pump parameters, at which the product of the gain g by the active medium length L is about 20, which exceeds the experimental gL value. (active media)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have observed EUV spectra from the Large Helical Device (LHD) at the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS). We measured spectra of impurity ions; carbon, iron, xenon, tin and tungsten ions. In some cases, the plasma evolution was stable and a steady discharge was obtained, but sometimes the plasma underwent radiation collapse and rapid cooling. For carbon and iron spectra, we studied plasma diagnostics by intensity ratios of spectral lines. For other spectra of higher Z element, xenon, tin and tungsten, we studied mainly on line identifications comparing with theoretical calculations and experimental data. Related atomic data for these researches will be also discussed. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Quantitative digital imaging, using planar laser light scattering techniques is being developed for the analysis of turbulent and reacting flows. Quantitative image data, implying both a direct relation to flowfield variables as well as sufficient signal and spatial dynamic range, can be readily processed to yield two-dimensional distributions of flowfield scalars and in turn two-dimensional images of gradients and turbulence scales. Much of the development of imaging techniques to date has concentrated on understanding the requisite molecular spectroscopy and collision dynamics to be able to determine how flowfield variable information is encoded into the measured signal. From this standpoint the image is seen as a collection of single point measurements. The present effort aims at realizing necessary improvements in signal and spatial dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution in the imaging system as well as ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the research conducted in the High Energy Physics Division of Argonne National Laboratory during the period of January 1, 1993--June 30, 1993. Topics covered here include experimental and theoretical particle physics, advanced accelerator physics, detector development, and experimental facilities research. Lists of division publications and colloquia are included.

Science.gov (United States)

A laser spectrometer for the ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) titration of magnesium or calcium ions that is designed around a handheld laser pointer as the source and a photoresistor as the detector is developed. Findings show that the use of the spectrometer reduces the degree of uncertainty and error in one part of the EDTA titrations, however overall standard deviations depend on the skill of the student and their willingness to be careful and precise.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study presents results from Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations aimed at characterizing a novel methodology being developed to detect partial defects in Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) spent fuel assemblies (SFAs). The methodology uses a combination of measured neutron and gamma fields inside a spent fuel assembly in an in-situ condition where no movement of the fuel assembly is required. Previous studies performed on single isolated assemblies resulted in a unique base signature that would change when some of the fuel in the assembly is replaced with dummy fuel. These studies indicate that this signature is still valid in the in-situ condition enhancing the prospect of building a practical tool, Partial Defect Detector (PDET), which can be used in the field for partial defect detection.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A detector has been developed and used to measure dose distributions versus linear energy transfer to thin gas targets in spherical geometry from fast neutron irradiation of tissue-equivalent plastic and carbon. The detector is a hemispherical proportional counter with a Cs(T1) scintillator at the center of the hemisphere. The coincidence of the proportional counter signals constrain the measurements to charged particles traversing the radius of the hemisphere. The charged particle energy deposition distributions are directly measured for a known pathlength. The A-150 kerma factor was measured at a neutron energy of 14.8 MeV and is in agreement with tabulated values. The carbon kerma factor measurements are less than the tabulated value at 14.8 MeV. The alpha-particle production in carbon was measured for neutron energies from 14.1 to 14.8 MeV and is compared with existing data.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As with science, so with security--in both arenas, the extraordinary sensitivity of cryogenic sensors enables high-confidence detection and high-precision measurement even of the faintest signals. Science applications are more mature, but several national and international security applications have been identified where cryogenic detectors have high potential payoff. International safeguards and nuclear forensics are areas needing new technology and methods to boost speed, sensitivity, precision and accuracy. Successfully applied, improved nuclear materials analysis will help constrain nuclear materials diversion pathways and contribute to treaty verification. Cryogenic microcalorimeter detectors for X-ray, gamma-ray, neutron, and alpha-particle spectrometry are under development with these aims in mind. In each case the unsurpassed energy resolution of microcalorimeters reveals previously invisible spectral features of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Micro-strip Metal Foil Detectors (MMFD) designed and used for the Beam Profile Monitoring (BPM) are discussed. The results obtained for the MMFDs produced by different technologies are presented. The MMFD deposited onto the 20 {mu}m thick Si-wafer has been used for the BPM of the 32 MeV alpha-particle beam at the MPIfK (Heidelberg) Tandem generator. Another MMFD with totally removed Si-wafer at the working area has been applied for the on-line X-ray BPM at the HASYLAB (DESY). One may conclude that the developed technology of the micro-strip metal detector manufacturing allows to provide non-destructive measurement of X-ray intensity distribution over area of up to 50 mm{sup 2} with an accuracy of 10-20 {mu}m with a possibility of its improvement by a factor 5. A sub-micron position resolution is expected by applying electron lithography for the strip pattern production.

CERN Document Server

Polarization measurements in the X-ray and gamma-ray energy range can provide crucial information on massive compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars. The Polarized Gamma-ray Observer (PoGO) is a new balloon-borne instrument designed to measure polarization from astrophysical objects in the 30-100 keV range, under development by an international collaboration with members from United States, Japan, Sweden and France. To examine PoGO's capability, a beam test of a simplified prototype detector array was conducted at the Argonne National Laboratory Advanced Photon Source. The detector array consisted of seven plastic scintillators, and was irradiated by polarized photon beams at 60, 73, and 83 keV. The data showed a clear polarization signal, with a measured modulation factor of $0.42 \\pm 0.01$. This was successfully reproduced at the 10% level by the computer simulation package Geant4 after modifications to its ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A high resolution Compton telescope has been identified by the Gamma Ray Astronomy Program Working Group (GRAPWG) as the highest priority major mission in gamma ray astrophysics following GLAST. This mission should provide 25-100 times improved sensitivity, relative to CGRO and INTEGRAL, for MeV gamma ray lines. It must have good performance for narrow and broad lines and for discrete and diffuse emissions. Several instrumental approaches are being pursued to achieve these goals. We discuss issues relating to this mission including alternative detector concepts, instrumental configurations, and background reduction techniques. We have pursued the development of position-sensitive solid-state detectors (Ge, Si) for a high spectral resolution Compton telescope mission. A #approx#1 m2 germanium Compton telescope of position-sensitive germanium detectors was the basis for one of the GRAPWG concepts. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty (CTBT), which was opened for signature in 1996, bans all nuclear explosions in all environments. Republic of Korea has been working to monitor compliance with CTBT by deterring and detecting any nuclear explosions conducted anywhere on Earth. For the verification of CTBT, several techniques are implemented. Radionuclide monitoring is of particular importance since it is the only method which can provide absolute assurance that a nuclear detonation has occurred

J-STORE (Japan)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Science.gov (United States)

Photodiode Scintillation Detector for Anticoincidence Shielding An important goal of space research is to understand the physics involved in the activity of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Semiconductor detectors coated with boron or lithium compounds have been studied for neutron detection for decades but, until recently, have been limited to thermal neutron detection efficiencies of less than 5%. We reported previously on development and simulation studies of perforated detectors whose perforations are filled with neutron-reactive material in order to produce higher detection efficiencies. Incorporation of bare and cadmium-backed detectors into battery-powered devices with low-power electronics enables us to produce compact personal neutron dosimeters that provide LED readout of counts, which can be related approximately to neutron dose. We report here on experimental studies with such compact devices; devices capable of direct readout in dose units are anticipated. The thermal and epithermal neutron flux densities from the tangential beam tube of the TRIGA Mark II reactor at ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes recent measurements of the subcritical neutron multiplication factor using the /sup 252/Cf source-driven neutron noise analysis method. This work was supported by a program of collaboration between the United States Department of Energy and the Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation of Japan related to the development of fast breeder technology. The experiment reported consists of a configuration of two interacting tanks of uranyl nitrate aqueous solution with different uranium concentrations in each tank. The /sup 252/Cf-source-driven neutron noise analysis method obtains the subcriticality from the signals of three detectors: the first, a parallel plate ionization chamber with /sup 252/Cf electroplated on one of its plates that is located in or near the system containing the fissile material, and produces an electrical pulse for every spontaneous fission that occurs and thereby serves ...

Science.gov (United States)

A detection theory is developed for point-contact metal-oxide-metal (MOM) systems. A system with heterogeneous oxide strongly bonded to the substrate is considered. It is shown that the form of the functional connection between the barrier heights and the ultimate compressive strength of the oxide has no substantial influence on the voltage-current characteristics of the system. Quantitative analysis indicates that a MOM system can behave as a tunnel diode and as a diode with a Schottky barrier. The model permits the determination of the optimum construction of long-life detectors based on MOM point-contacts.-

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

With the development of an array of highly-segmented germanium detectors, it now becomes possible to perform in-flight #gamma#-ray spectroscopy experiments on intermediate energy beams with unprecedented #gamma#-ray energy resolution. Presented in this report are examples of two techniques in which SeGA, the most highly-segmented operational germanium array for in-flight spectroscopy with fast beams, was used for the detection of #gamma# rays. SeGA used in conjunction with a high-resolution magnetic spectrograph (S800) to detect the reaction residues in coincidence represents a powerful combination for in-beam #gamma#-ray studies.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alpha particle confinement is necessary for ignition of a D-T tokamak fusion plasma and for first wall protection. Due to high radiation backgrounds and temperatures, scintillators and semiconductor detectors may not be used to study alpha particles which are lost to the first wall during the D-T programs on JET and ITER. An alternative method of charged particle spectrometry capable of operation in these harsh environments, is proposed: it consists of thin foils of electrically isolated conductors with the flux of alpha particles determined by the positive current flowing from the foils. 2 refs., 3 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The operation principle, construction and characteristics of the Bragg curve spectroscopy detector (BCS detector) are described. The electric field of the BCS detector is parallel to the particle trajectories. The detector was tested by 8.78 MeV and 6.02 MeV #alpha# particles from a ThC-ThC's source. The energy resolutions are 1.5% and 2.6% respectively for two groups of #alpha# particles, and the charge resolution is 2.7%. Further test experiments with heavy ions will be arranged.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Non-invasive methods are described for estimating local cerebal blood flows (LCBF) and local partition coefficients (Llambda) during inhalation of 30 % stable xenon gas (Xe) in oxygen during CT scanning. After the denitrogenation with pure oxygen breathing, 30 % Xe is inhaled for four minutes to minimize subanesthetic effects with a rubber facemask and the delivery system of Xe. Local time-..delta.. Hounsfield units curve during the Xe wash-in and wash-out phase is utilized in order to calculate Llambda and LCBF using a least squares curve fitting analysis. Calculated Llambda and LCBF with the new method manifested reasonable distribution between the grey and white matters, and reproducibility was excellent in our study. Several case studies of patients with cerebral infarction are presented to demonstrate the characterization of Llambda and LCBF patterns in various tissues and theoretical grounds underlying the new method of curve fitting analysis are discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cesium recovery from the polluted layers in the 1/3 scale hydrogen negative ion source for LHD-NBI system has tested. It was found, that the cesium recovery can be produced by additional discharges as from the cesium layer, aged by tungsten and residual gas, so as from the cesium layers, polluted by an occasional water leak. The highest cesium recovery to NI production was produced by a xenon arc, while glow discharge and arcing in hydrogen were less effective. The mechanism of recovery is the ejection of cesium from the underlying enriched layer by the arc and its transport to the surface. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A prototype detector based on the inclined boron layer principle is introduced. For typical measurement conditions at the Liquids Reflectometer at the Spallation Neutron Source, its count rate capability is shown to be superior to that of the current detector by nearly two orders of magnitude.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the last 30 years high energy physics could write an impressive story of success. Since the introduction of the Standard Model (SM), it has met every experimental test. However the final confirmation has to prove the mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking, which could not be confirmed yet. The most favored theory, which includes the introduction of a Higgs field, could not be verified experimentally. Furthermore there is clear evidence, that the SM is only a low energy description of nature and its principles, as the SM describes only 4 % of the known matter in the universe. There are two different approaches in accelerator driven high energy physics to clarify the open questions. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have a good opportunity to measure some of the missing pieces with its high center of mass energy. The International Linear Collider (ILC) will then measure their parameters with high precision. To guarantee this high precision the detectors have to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We are building the Schenberg gravitational wave detector at the Physics Institute of University of Sao Paulo as programmed by the Brazilian Graviton Project. The antenna and its vibration isolation system are already built, and we have made a first cryogenic run for an overall test, in which we measured the antenna mechanical Q (figure of merit). We also have built a 10.21 GHz oscillator with phase noise performance better than -120 dBc at 3.2 kHz to pump an initial CuAl6% two-mode transducer. We plan to prepare this spherical antenna for a first operational run at 4.2 K with a single transducer and an initial target sensitivity of h #approx# 2 x 10"-"2"1 Hz"-"1"/"2 in a 50 Hz bandwidth around 3.2 kHz soon. Here we present details of this plan and some recent results of the development of this project.

CERN Document Server

The $\\bar{K}N$ system at threshold is a sensitive testing ground for low energy QCD, especially for the explicit chiral symmetry breaking. Therefore, we have measured the $K$-series x rays of kaonic hydrogen atoms at the DA$\\Phi$NE electron-positron collider of Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, and have determined the most precise values of the strong-interaction energy-level shift and width of the $1s$ atomic state. As x-ray detectors, we used large-area silicon drift detectors having excellent energy and timing resolution, which were developed especially for the SIDDHARTA experiment. The shift and width were determined to be $\\epsilon_{1s} = -283 \\pm 36 \\pm 6 {(syst)}$ eV and $\\Gamma_{1s} = 541 \\pm 89 {(stat)} \\pm 22 {(syst)}$ eV, respectively. The new values will provide vital constraints on the theoretical description of the low-energy $\\bar{K}N$ interaction.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The design and first results from a Double Sided Silicon Strip Detector (DSSSD) recently installed at the Lund Nuclear Microprobe facility (NMP) are presented. The detector has 64 sector strips and 32 ring strips, which in combination give more than 2000 detector cells, each with characteristics comparable with a standard surface barrier detector (SBD). The detector has been tested both with radioactive sources and with different ion beams and energies. The most striking features are the high rate virtually pile-up free operation and also the possibility of detailed measurement of angular distributions.

Science.gov (United States)

A computer-based beam dosimetry measurement system for boron neutron capture therapy provides accurate, sensitive, and rapid readout and recording of all beam dose components, epithermal and thermal neutron flux, and gamma-ray dose rate. This dosimetric system includes input from the characterization of the epithermal neutron beam developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, actual BPA pharmacokinetic data from a specific human subject being irradiated, output of MacNCTPLAN, a treatment planning system developed by the authors group, and input from the five on-line beam detectors. The purpose of this system and associated readout systems is to ensure that the desired dose is delivered to the subject within acceptable dose tolerances, e.g., {+-}5% of the target dose, and that any perturbations in the neutron beam that may occur during irradiation can be rapidly evaluated and the appropriate measures taken.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Idaho Explosives Detection System was developed at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to respond to threats imposed by delivery trucks potentially carrying explosives into military bases. A full-scale prototype system has been built and is currently undergoing testing. The system consists of two racks, one on each side of a subject vehicle. Each rack includes a neutron generator and an array of NaI detectors. The two neutron generators are pulsed and synchronized. A laptop computer controls the entire system. The control software is easily operable by minimally trained staff. The system was developed to detect explosives in a medium size truck within a 5-min measurement time. System performance was successfully demonstrated with explosives at the INL in June 2004 and at Andrews Air Force Base in July 2004.

Science.gov (United States)

... The approach is to perform noise spectral density measurements and selected materials structure measurements on GaAs detector materials, with ...

CERN Document Server

A highly integrated trigger and readout system for a silicon micro-strip detector installed at the CERN Omega spectrometer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The US Department of Energy (DOE) sponsors an extensive research program to improve the methods, dosimeters, and instruments available to DOE facilities for measuring neutron dose and assessing its effects on the work force. The Total Dose Meter was recently developed for measuring in real time the adsorbed dose of mixed neutron and gamma radiation and for calculating the dose equivalent. The Field Neutron Spectrometer was developed to provide a portable instrument for determining neutron spectra in the workplace for flux-to-dose equivalent conversion and quality factor calculation. The Combination Thermoluminescence/Track Etch Dosimeter (TLD/TED) was developed to extend the effective neutron energy range of the conventional TLDs to improve detection of fast-energy neutrons. An Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeter is presently being developed for application to gamma, neutron, and beta radiation. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new generation of quasimonochromatic high-flux X-ray sources, based on the X-ray radiation produced through Compton scattering between an electron beam and a laser beam, is under development. One of the possible applications of this source is inline phase contrast mammography, based on the observation of the edge-enhancement effect that can be observed at the border of structures inside the breast in images produced using a partially or totally coherent X-ray beam. In this work we present the results of a set of simulations of inline phase contrast mammography using typical inverse Compton scattering sources parameters. The simulated sample was a tumour-like mass having spherical shape, diameter between 200 {mu}m and 5 mm, placed inside a breast-like matrix, 4 cm thick, and a standard composition of 50% glandular tissue and 50% adipose tissue. We discuss the minimum requirements for mammography using inverse Compton scattering sources and we discuss how the ...

Science.gov (United States)

The Infrared Camera (IRC) is one of the scientific focal plane instruments on board the ASTRO-F infrared astronomical satellite. The IRC is designed for wide field imaging and slit-less spectroscopic observations at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths. The IRC consists of three channels; NIR, MIR-S and MIR-L, each of which covers wavelengths of 2-5, 5-12 and 12-26 micron, respectively. All channels adopt compact refractive optical designs. Large format array detectors (a InSb 512 x 412 array and two Si:As IBC 256 x 256 arrays) are employed. Each channel has 10 x 10 arcminutes wide FOV with diffraction-limited angular resolution of 70cm aperture of the liquid helium cooled telescope at wavelengths over 5 micron. A 6-position filter wheel is placed at the aperture stop in each channel, and has three band-pass filters, two grisms/prisms and a mask for dark current measurements. The 5 sigma sensitivity of one pointed observation is estimated to be 2, 11 and 62 micro-Jy ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Measurement of K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x-ray intensity ratios are important not only in the field of atomic physics, radiation physics and medical physics, but also to test the validity of assumptions made in the theoretical prediction. The intensity ratios can also give information on the effect of physical and chemical environment of the element in the compound. Many investigators have adopted a single and double reflection geometries to measure the K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x ray intensity ratios to understand the effect of physical and chemical environment on x-ray fluorescence. The targets are excited by a radioactive source of having activity of the order 100 MBq. in order to carry out accurate measurement K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x-ray intensity ratios, we have develop 2#pi# geometrical configuration method : placing a target right on the surface of the detector facing the target to measure the K shell fluorescence parameters such as ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The detection efficiency of a lithium glass detector was calculated using MCNP code, and the calculation was compared with the published results in Pulsed Sphere Plan. A lithium glass detector of our own was made, and its neutron efficiency was calculated. The calculated neutron efficiency was verified with both pulsed and steady DD neutrons. Characteristics of Neutron response of "6Li detector was discussed. (authors)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A network of second-generation low-temperature gravitational radiation detectors is nearing completion. These detectors, sensitive to mechanical strains of order 10"-"1"8, are possible because of a variety of technical innovations that have been made in cryogenics, low-noise superconducting instrumentation, and vibration isolation techniques. Another five orders of magnitude improvement in energy sensitivity of resonant-mass detectors is possible before the linear amplifier quantum limit is encountered. 33 references, 3 figures, 1 table.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

(1973). USSR Ovcharenko, AM Nedavnij, OI Kapranov, BI Tomskij

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new technology called a self-aligned metal-silicide process is described in the fabrication of silicon detectors. It has been found that this technology improves both detector yield and leakage current. The use of a metal silicide also gives a lower contact resistance and, depending on the thermal process, a controllable junction depth, which may be essential in the integration of detectors and their electronics.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thin film ultraviolet detectors based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys are realized with different diode structures (PIN, NIP, PN, and NP). The PIN and NIP detectors exhibit higher sensitivity in the ultraviolet spectrum and a significant lower dark current in comparison to the PN or NP structures. The best detector performance was achieved with a 33 nm thick PIN diode. This detector shows a maximum of quantum efficiency of 36.3% at a wavelength of 310 nm. By varying the thickness of the semi-transparent Ag front contact the selectivity of the detectors with the quantum efficiency peak at 320 nm can be adjusted. Thus, the spectral sensitivity of the detector shifts from a broad UV to a selective UV-B spectrum. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The patient positioning and repositioning control in radiation therapy all along the treatment can be conducted using a variety of X-ray sources and imaging detector devices. The development of image guided radiation therapy techniques leads to more frequent use of this imaging control. In this article we summarize the current methods for measuring the dose delivered by X-ray imaging devices used in radiation therapy, as well as basic proposals to take account of these imaging doses for prescribing, recording and reporting radiation therapy treatment. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Real-time neutron powder diffraction and small-angle scattering techniques have been developed on the TOF diffractometer DN-2 at the IBR-2 pulsed reactor at JINR (Dubna) with a total flux on the sample of 10{sup 7} neutrons cm{sup -2}s{sup -1} and a resolution of about 1%. A special arrangement of the detector system ensures a high counting rate of diffracted neutrons. Depending upon sample type and experimental conditions, the measuring time t{sub s} of one neutron pattern varies from a few minutes to several seconds. The performance of the diffractometer is discussed and typical data are shown to demonstrate current achievements using real-time techniques at a pulsed reactor. (orig.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The new SUERC AMS Laboratory was described at AMS-9. Since then there have been technological developments, added and improved analysis capability, the formation of additional complementary groups, the purchase of another instrument, and many samples measured. Be, C, Al, Cl, Ca and I-AMS are established with measured species changing weekly. Full-terminal potential running is now routine and 5MV is proving sufficient for all species. Ion detection and evaluation has also been improved by the use of even thinner detector windows as necessary and a more powerful on-line data analysis system. Routine radiocarbon measurement is to 4permil reproducibility at middling current and graphite samples of as little as 100mg C can be accommodated. Even smaller samples can be measured as CO2 using He ca...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The total photoabsorption cross section on a free proton was measured at the GRAAL facility in the energy range E ? = 600?1500 MeV. The large-aperture LAGRAN?E detector and a liquid hydrogen target were used in the experiment performed with a back-scattered Compton gamma beam. To improve the accuracy, two alternative methods were employed. First, a subtraction method of using empty-target measurements allowed the cross section ? tot to be evaluated directly because of a low level of the electromagnetic background. Second, an algorithm for evaluating ? tot on the basis of summing the dominating partial cross sections was developed. Experimental results obtained for ? tot by the two methods are compared with existing data.

Science.gov (United States)

In this work, the half-life of the {sup 155}Sm beta{sup -} decay was determined using enriched {sup 154}Sm samples submitted to irradiation in the IEA-R1 reactor of IPEN; the activity of the samples were followed for 4-5 consecutive half lives using a 198 cm{sup 3} HPGe detector. The data was corrected using a non paralizable dead time correction and fitted to an exponential decay function using a non linear fitting procedure developed on the MatLab platform. The resulting value--T{sub 1/2} = 22.180(26) min--was compatible to the one found in the literature, with a lower uncertainty.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A compact and supersensitive device that can rapidly detect minute trace vapors from concealed explosives has been developed by scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The new explosives sensor can detect and chemically identify organic nitrogen-oxygen compounds which are the building blocks of explosives such as TNT, plastiques, and nitroglycerine. The device could be used to scan persons entering airport terminals, nuclear power plants, defense installations, or other sensitive locations, providing greater security against potential terrorism. This device works on a glow discharge principle, and is more specifically called an ''Atmospheric Sampling Glow Discharge Ionization'' (ASGDI) source. The new detector is a highly automated, miniaturized version of research mass spectrometers widely used to trace constituents of chemical mixtures. Detail of this device's construction and ...

CERN Document Server

At Super-LHC luminosity it is expected that the standard suite of L1 triggers for CMS will saturate. Information from the tracker will be needed to reduce trigger rates to satisfy the L1 bandwidth. Tracking trigger modules which correlate information from closely-spaced sensor layers to form an on-detector momentum filter are being developed by several groups. We report on a trigger module design which utilizes three dimensional IC technology to incorporate chips which are connected both to the top and bottom sensor, providing the ability to filter information locally. A demonstration chip, the VICTR, has been submitted to the Chartered/Tezzaron two-tier 3D run coordinated by Fermilab. We report on the 3D design concept, the status of the VICTR chip and associated sensor integration utilizing oxide bonding.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A mobile gamma-ray scanning system has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for use in the U.S. Department of Energy's remedial action survey programs. The unit consists of NaI(Tl) detectors housed in a specially equipped van. The system is operator controlled through an on-board minicomputer with data output provided on the computer video screen, strip chart recorders, and an on-line printer. Data storage is provided on floppy disk. Multichannel analysis capabilities are included for qualitative radionuclide identification. A /sup 226/Ra-specific algorithm is currently employed to identify locations containing residual radium-bearing materials.

CERN Document Server

A prism spectrometer has been developed to operate in the VUV wavelength range from 120 to 200 nm. It can be used as a pre- disperser in conjunction with a Fabry-Perot based gas refractometer. This instrument has also been used to measure the refractive index of the liquid radiator C/sub 6/F/sub 14/ in various spectral lines. This radiator is used in the RICH detectors of the DELPHI experiment and has been proposed for ALICE, and LHCb experiments. The spectral resolution of the system is improved as the wavelength decreases and the data are consistent with a wavelength accuracy about 0.4 nm at 140 nm. The results for the dispersion curve of the above liquid are presented. (17 refs).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors propose to develop a high-energy heavy-ion experimental database and make it accessible to the scientific community through an on-line interface. This database will be searchable and cross-indexed with relevant publications, including published detector descriptions. Since this database will be a community resource, it requires the high-energy nuclear physics community's financial and manpower support. This database should eventually contain all published data from Bevalac, AGS and SPS to RHIC and CERN-LHC energies, proton-proton to nucleus-nucleus collisions as well as other relevant systems, and all measured observables. Such a database would have tremendous scientific payoff as it makes systematic studies easier and allows simpler benchmarking of theoretical models to a broad range of old and new experiments. Furthermore, there is a growing need for compilations of high-energy nuclear data for applications including ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tritium, a beta emitting gas at room temperature causes a biological hazard in the locations where it is present beyond acceptable limits. The hazard can be due to inhalation, and absorption by skin. Hence is the necessity of Tritium monitoring instruments/systems for ensuring safety in the PHWRs and the nuclear research plants and laboratories. It is desirable that the instruments address satisfactorily to certain factors like the following: (i) Wide range of Tritium concentrations - 1 to 104 DAC ( Derived Air Concentration) (ii) On-line monitoring features (iii) Small response time (On-spot instantaneous measurements) (iv) Portability (v) Mitigation of memory effects. This paper presents an overview of the Online Tritium in Air Monitoring Systems manufactured by ECIL for Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors at Tarapur, Kaiga, and Rawatbhata. Significant aspects of design, function, testing, limitations of the detectors and electronics and the further ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this study, wood samples were exposed to light irradiations (direct sunlight, xenon lamp, mercury vapour lamp) and thermal treatments were carried out in dry- and in humid conditions at 90degreeC. One part of the samples was covered by an aluminium plate during light irradiation. The samples under the aluminium plate also suffered considerable chemical changes, monitored by infrared technique and colour measurement. The sunlight produced greater colour change under the aluminium plate than the artificial light sources. During light irradiation, the carbonyl band having two maximum at 1700 and 1746cm-1 increased and the peak of the aromatic skeletal vibration arising from lignin (1510cm-1) decreased together with the guaiacyl vibrations at 1275cm-1. There was absorption decrease at 1174c...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We demonstrate that the nanoparticle formation during laser ablation of metals by short (of a few tens of ps) laser pulses strongly depends on the concentration of surrounding gas. While, at vacuum conditions, nanoparticle formation shows very ''sharp'' atomic force microscope images of aggregated clusters, following with clear appearance of plasmon resonance on the absorption spectra of deposited films, an addition of gas particles starts to decrease the probability of cluster formation. This process shows a threshold for both helium (33 torr) and xenon (12 torr) above which no surface plasmon resonance and correspondingly no observable nanoparticles on the deposited surfaces were detected. The destruction of nanoparticle formation was attributed to the negative influence of surrounding gas particles on ablated particles aggregation. (orig.)

CERN Document Server

We study an exactly solvable model where an uniformly accelerated detector is linearly coupled to a massless scalar field initially in the Minkowski vacuum. Using the exact correlation functions we show that as soon as the coupling is switched on one can see information flowing from the detector to the field and propagating with the radiation into null infinity. By expressing the reduced density matrix of the detector in terms of the two-point functions, we calculate the purity function in the detector and study the evolution of quantum entanglement between the detector and the field. Only in the ultraweak coupling regime could some degree of recoherence in the detector appear at late times, but never in full restoration, as an earlier work seems to suggest. We explicitly show that under the most general conditions the detector never ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For the expansion to 2.0 MTPY of the CVG Bauxilum alumina plant, the area of clarification and red mud washing was rearranged from four 2-thickener-5-washer trains to two 1-thickener-7-washer trains. As a result of this modification, the specific mud handling capacity of the existing tanks should be increased by almost 3-times. The time allowed for control actions was then significantly reduced, leading to the need of an on-line level detection system, in order to achieve a better and faster control of the operation. With this scope, it was developed and installed a new continuous mud level detector that gives the measurement of both mud and turbid zone levels in the tanks. The development of the new instrument started with an existing instrument for density measurements which was completely re-engineered in order to obtain the maximum readability in the densities founded along the full range of the tank height. Actually 28 ...

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The extensive work on the measurement technology of total and local flow rates in BWR core has been performed using in-core neutron fluctuating signals. Based on a large amount of actual data acquired from commercial BWR plants in operation, physical interpretation was discussed on the transit time of the neutron fluctuating signals. The new findings against the logical inconsistency of the transit time between the different LPRM detector positions lead to a promised core flow measurement algorithm using in-core neutron fluctuating signals. The advanced on-line core flow measurement system was developed and tested during the startup phase of the first ABWR. The measurement test results demonstrate the present core flow measurement system within the errors of 5 through 10% over the wide operating area besides the capability for the local void fraction and two-phase flow regime monitoring. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To date, no single passive detector has been found that measures dose equivalent from ionizing radiation exposure in low-Earth orbit. We have developed the I.S.S. Passive Dosimetry System (P.D.S.), utilizing a combination of TLD in the form of the self-contained Pille TLD system and stacks of CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (P.N.T.D.) oriented in three mutually orthogonal directions, to measure total dose and dose equivalent aboard the International Space Station (I.S.S.). The Pille TLD system, consisting on an on board reader and a large number of Ca{sub 2}SO{sub 4}:Dy TLD cells, is used to measure absorbed dose. The Pille TLD cells are read out and annealed by the I.S.S. crew on orbit, such that dose information for any time period or condition, e.g. for E.V.A. or following a solar particle event, is immediately available. Near-tissue equivalent CR-39 P.N.T.D. provides Let spectrum, dose, and dose equivalent from ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A noninvasive, simplified method using inhalation of stable xenon (Xe{sup s}) and computed tomographic (CT) scanning to estimate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional partition coefficient (r{lambda}) is described. Twenty-four patients with cerebrovascular occlusive disease and six volunteer controls inhaled 30% Xe{sup s} and 70% oxygen for 180 seconds and exhaled for 144 seconds during serial CT scanning without denitrogenation. The end-tidal Xe{sup s} concentration was continuously monitored with a thermoconductivity analyzer to determine the build-up range (A value) and build-up rate constant (K value) for arteries with the curve fitting method. The time-CT number (Hounsfield unit) curve for cerebral tissue during the Xe{sup s} washin and washout phases was used to calculate r{lambda} and rCBF using least squares curve fitting analysis. The resultant r{lambda} and rCBF map demonstrated a reliable distribution between the gray and white matter, and ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

An ultrasensitive laser-induced fluorescence detector was used with capillary electrophoresis for the study of 5-carboxy-tetramethylrhodamine. The raw signal from the detector provided roughly...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Detectors for a photon-photon collider are envisaged using as guide-lines the physics goals and the interaction point environment. Production of SUSY Higgs scalar and pseudo-scalar is emphasized. Some aspects of the interaction point environment are discussed. ((orig.)).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

(Jun 1978). United States Miller, H. Univ. of Missouri, Columbia Peterman,

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Czech May 1979. p. 32-33. Czechoslovakia Benada, J. Spacek, B. Ustav

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method of detecting explosives in a vehicle includes providing a first rack on one side of the vehicle, the rack including a neutron generator and a plurality of gamma ray detectors; providing a second rack on another side of the vehicle, the second rack including a neutron generator and a plurality of gamma ray detectors; providing a control system, remote from the first and second racks, coupled to the neutron generators and gamma ray detectors; using the control system, causing the neutron generators to generate neutrons; and performing gamma ray spectroscopy on spectra read by the gamma ray detectors to look for a signature indicative of presence of an explosive. Various apparatus and other methods are also provided.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method of detecting explosives in a vehicle includes providing a first rack on one side of the vehicle, the rack including a neutron generator and a plurality of gamma ray detectors; providing a second rack on another side of the vehicle, the second rack including a neutron generator and a plurality of gamma ray detectors; providing a control system, remote from the first and second racks, coupled to the neutron generators and gamma ray detectors; using the control system, causing the neutron generators to generate neutrons; and performing gamma ray spectroscopy on spectra read by the gamma ray detectors to look for a signature indicative of presence of an explosive. Various apparatus and other methods are also provided.

CERN Document Server

In this paper we describe the reconstruction strategies, the calibration procedures and the detector performance results from the latest CMS operation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new technique for radon measurement in the natural environment was investigated. It is based on the use of activated charcoal and a track-etch detector. The charcoal acts as a radon collector from the air and the track-etch detector as a recorder of the alpha particles emitted by radon and its decay products. Our preliminary results show that the response of the new dosimeter to radon, using Deodorant activated charcoal (TOK, Yugoslavia) and a CR-39 track-etch detector, is 1.4 tracks cm{sup -2}/Bqm{sup -3}d, which is about eight times higher than that obtained with a standard track-etch dosimeter. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Superconducting thin film particle detectors can be very attractive due to the low sensitivity to radiation damage. We describe the fabrication procedure and the characterization of Nb/Al bilayers as particle detectors. First steady and dynamical results are reported from tests of 5 MeV alpha-particle detection.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The neutron detector is cased in a metal envelop and has one detector with a very sensitive fission chamber and a second detector with a fission chamber less sensitive that the first one and a boron coated ionisation chamber for reducing gamma radiation detection.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ionization counters employing Bragg curve spectroscopy have been constructed for use in a 4{pi} geometry. These detectors compare very favorably in terms of both energy and charge resolution with small solid angle devices. These detectors have a large dynamic range because they are backed by scintillation detectors, and are thus capable of detecting and identifying particles with energies from 1 MeV/nucleon up to 200 MeV/nucleon. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There is significant interest in using computed tomography (CT) for in vivo imaging applications in mouse models of disease. Most commercially available mouse x-ray CT scanners utilize a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector coupled via fibre optic taper to a phosphor screen. However, there has been little research to determine if this is the optimum detector for the specific task of in vivo mouse imaging. To investigate this issue, we have evaluated four detectors, including an amorphous selenium (a-Se) detector, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) detector with a gadolinium oxysulphide (GOS) screen, a CCD with a 3:1 fibre taper and a GOS screen, and a CCD with a 2:1 fibre taper and both GOS and thallium-doped caesium iodide (CsI:Tl) screens. The detectors were evaluated by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), detective quantum ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It has been concluded by geologists that a significant amount of hydrogen is stored as point defects in nominally anhydrous minerals. Determination of the amount of hydrogen bound in these minerals is a step towards determining the total water content of the earth mantle as well as comprehending its internal water cycle. The possibility to measure hydrogen in thin geological samples by elastic p-p scattering has been investigated at the Lund Nuclear Microprobe. In this work the development of the experimental procedure and standardisation of data analysis is described. Special emphasis has been put into doing the data analysis as simple as possible and at the same time applicable to all sorts of thin samples, even those of unknown nature. A special annular surface barrier detector composed of two insulated detector halves, which are read out simultaneously, is used to detect the recoiled proton and the scattered proton in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report presents the work performed at the Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) during the second program quarter from October 1, 1993 to December 31, 1993, under Department of Energy (DOE) Contract No. DE-AC22-93PC92114. This program has co-ordinated funding for Task 1 from IGT`s Sustaining Membership Program (SMP), while DOE is funding Tasks 2--8. Progress in all tasks are reported. The overall objective of this research project is to develop a catalytic process to convert natural gas to liquid transportation fuels. The process consists of two steps that each utilize catalysts and sulfur containing intermediates: (1) to convert natural gas to CS{sub 2} and (2) to convert CS{sub 2} to gasoline range liquids. Experimental data will be generated to demonstrate the potential of catalysts and the overall process. During this quarter, progress in the following areas has been made. An existing unit at IGT was modified to accommodate the sulfur feedstocks and the higher ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) are widely used for radon measurements and CR-39 is one of the most popular SSNTD. In this work it was determined the calibration factor for radon concentration measurements through the passive method with CR-39 detectors. The detectors were put in a proper device (an adapted Lucas cell) and exposed to the standard radon concentration through the Pylon Model RN-150 flow through radon gas source. After exposure, the detectors were etched for 5.5 hours in a KOH solution at 80 deg C in a bath at a constant temperature. The track density was read in an Axiolab-Zeiss optical microscope, with nominal magnification of X10 connected to a video camera and to a personal computer. The calibration factor was obtained through the relation between standard radon concentration, track density and exposure time. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abstract - We have designed, built, and tested a 2-D pixellated thermal neutron detector. The detector is modeled after the MicroMegas-type structure previously published for collider-type experiments. The detector consists of a 4X4 square array of 1 cm 2 pixels each of which is connected to an individual preamplifier-shaper-data acquisition system. The neutron converter is a 10B film on an aluminum substrate. We describe the construction of the detector and the test results utilizing 252Cf sources in Lucite to thermalize the neutrons.Drift electrode (Aluminum) Converter (10B) 3 mm Conversion gap neutron (-900 V)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Large area, single-element Si(Li) detectors have been fabricated using a novel geometry which yields detectors with reduced capacitance and hence reduced noise at short amplifier pulse-processing times. A typical device employing the new geometry with a thickness of 6 mm and an active area of 175 mm 2 has a capacitance of only 0.5 pf, compared to 2.9 pf for a conventional planar device with equivalent dimensions. These new low capacitance detectors, used in conjunction with low capacitance field effect transistors, will result in x-ray spectrometers capable of operating at very high count rates while still maintaining excellent energy resolution. The spectral response of the low capacitance detectors to a wide range of x-ray energies at 80 K is comparable to typical state-of-the-art conventional Si(Li) devices. In addition to their low capacitance, the new devices offer other advantages over ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We developed a new TLD array for precise dose measurement and verification of the spatial dose distribution in small radiation targets. It consists of a hemicylindrical, tissue-equivalent rod made of polystyrene with 17 parallel moulds for an exact positioning of each TLD. The spatial resolution of the TLD array was evaluated using the Leskell spherical phantom. Dose planning was performed with KULA 4.4 under stereotactic conditions on axial CT images. In the Leksell gamma unit the TLD array was irradiated with a maximal dose of 10 Gy with an unplugged 14 mm collimator. The doses delivered to the TLDs were rechecked by diode detector and film dosimetry and compared to the computer-generated dose profile. We found excellent agreement of our measured values, even at the critical penumbra decline. For the 14 mm and 18 mm collimator and for the 11 mm collimator combination we compared the measured and calculated data at full width at half maximum. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Production of intense negative ion beams in magnetically insulated diodes was studied in order to develop an understanding of this process by measuring the ion-beam parameters as a function of diode and cathode plasma conditions in different magnetically insulated diodes. A coral diode, a racetrack diode, and an annular diode were used. The UCI APEX pulse line, with a nominal output of 1MV, 140kA, was used under matched conditions with a pulse length of 50 nsec. Negative-ion intensity and divergence were measured with Faraday cups and CR-39 track detectors. Cathode plasma was produced by passive dielectric cathodes and later, by an independent plasma gun. Negative-ion currents had an intensity of a few A/cm{sup 2} with a divergence ranging between a few tenths milliradians for an active TiH{sub 2} plasma gun and 300 milliradians for a passive polyethelene cathode. Negative ions were usually emitted from a few hot spots on the cathode surface. ...

Science.gov (United States)

The Micro-X instrument is a rocket borne, X-ray imaging spectrometer planned for launch in October 2011. An array of 128 Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) on a 600 micron pitch will observe incoming photons in the 0.2-3 keV energy band with an energy resolution of 2-4 eV at 1 keV. X-rays will be focused onto the TES array by a conically approximated Wolter optic with an effective area of 300 cm^2 giving the instrument a field of view of 11.8 arcmin. This performance will constitute a substantial improvement over current non-dispersive detectors for X-ray spectroscopy of extended sources and will be the first demonstration of a TES-based microcalorimeter in space. The TESs will utilize the 50 mK stage of an Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) as a heat bath, and will be read out by a SQUID time division multiplexer. The first flight of the Micro-X instrument will observe the Puppis A supernova remnant. Future targets include the core of the Virgo cluster and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This research focuses on the development and application of high order statistical analyses applied to measurements performed with subcritical fissile systems driven by an introduced neutron source. The signatures presented are derived from counting statistics of the introduced source and radiation detectors that observe the response of the fissile system. It is demonstrated that successively higher order counting statistics possess progressively higher sensitivity to reactivity. Consequently, these signatures are more sensitive to changes in the composition, fissile mass, and configuration of the fissile assembly. Furthermore, it is shown that these techniques are capable of distinguishing the response of the fissile system to the introduced source from its response to any internal or inherent sources. This ability combined with the enhanced sensitivity of higher order signatures indicates that these techniques will be of significant utility ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Compton backscatter technique has been applied to lap-joint in aircraft structure in order to determine mass loss due to exfoliative corrosion of the aluminum alloy sheet skin. The mass loss of each layer has been estimated from Compton backscatter A-scan including the aluminum sheet, the corrosion layer, and the sealant. A Compton backscattering imaging system has been also developed to obtain a cross-sectional profile of corroded lap-splices of aging aircraft using a specially designed slit-type camera. The camera is to focus on a small scattering volume inside the material from which the backscattered photons are collected by a collimated scintillator detector for interpretation of material characteristics. The cross section of the layered structure is scanned by moving the scattering volume through the thickness direction of the specimen. The theoretical model of the Compton scattering based on Boltzmann transport theory is presented ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radon exposure assessment in case-control studies on radon and lung cancer is generally based on contemporary radon concentration measurements, which can be affected by significant changes in the building structures or in living habits. Another method to estimate the radon exposure of the subjects is the recently developed retrospective dosimetry technique based on the {sup 210}Po surface activity from glass objects. In order to compare the results obtained by the two methods, a study has been carried out in a sample of 26 dwellings in Rome, with radon concentration values ranging from 28 to 623 Bq m{sup -3}. Retrospective detectors based on CR-39 and LR 115 were exposed on 50 glass objects in bedrooms and living rooms. The correlation factor between the two sets of data, after removing six extreme values, is 0.67, which is similar to results obtained in other validation studies of similar sample size. The correlation increases to 0.83 if the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

New and elaborate techniques for alpha-particle autoradiography of thick specimens based on the plastic nuclear track detector CR-39 have been developed. These permit a full analysis of both trace element and microdistribution of alpha-active nuclides present. The important features of the techniques are: 1) reliable low level configuration down to 10/sup -15/ Ci g/sup -1/, 2) high resolution alpha-particle spectroscopy in CR-39, 3) determination of the absolute abundance of alpha active nuclides present in the specimen, 4) determination of the distribution of emission with height up to 30 microns above the surface of the autoradiograph, 5) the local determination of the radon diffusion coefficient in the specimen which is needed to calculate the activity levels of /sup 222/Rn and daughter nuclei, 6) the analysis of small and large clusters of alpha-particle activity recorded on the autoradiograph. These techniques are briefly discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neutron radiography and neutron radioscopy are rapidly becoming the valuable tools for nondestructive testing and basic research. The Phoenix Memorial Laboratory has developed a neutron facility capable of both film neutron radiography and real time neutron radioscopy, and has used this facility to study several phenomena of interest to the researchers in many areas. Neutrons can be used for imaging the phenomena that X-ray cannot image, such as the presence, absence or movement of hydrogenous materials inside metals such as aluminum or steel. There are three basic methods for obtaining images using neutrons: high resolution film neutron radiography, real-time neutron radioscopy and transfer film neutron radiography. The neutron radiography facility at Phoenix Memorial Laboratory, the neutron radioscopic imaging systems, the neutron radiographic detectors, lubrication studies, spray imaging, flow in porous media, three-dimensional ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have developed a Bragg curve counter (BCC) equipped with an active cathode to extend the energy acceptance to lower energies than for a conventional BCC to measure differential cross-sections of fragment production reactions induced by tens of MeV protons. The signal from the active cathode providing the timing signal of fragment incidence and the time difference signal between the cathode and anode gives information on the fragment range in the BCC on the basis of electron drift time. Utilization of the range information made possible identification of fragments less than 0.5 MeV/u that is lower than the identification threshold of a conventional BCC technique. After investigations on fundamental properties of a newly constructed BCC using heavy ion beams and alpha-particles, this method was applied successfully to a fragment production measurement for 70 MeV proton-induced reactions on carbon. With this technique, the energy threshold of the BCC was improved ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ophir Corporation was awarded a contract by the U. S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory under the Project Title ''Airborne, Optical Remote Sensing of Methane and Ethane for Natural Gas Pipeline Leak Detection'' on October 14, 2002. This second six-month technical report summarizes the progress made towards defining, designing, and developing the hardware and software segments of the airborne, optical remote methane and ethane sensor. The most challenging task to date has been to identify a vendor capable of designing and developing a light source with the appropriate output wavelength and power. This report will document the work that has been done to identify design requirements, and potential vendors for the light source. Significant progress has also been made in characterizing the amount of light return available from a remote target at various distances from the light source. A ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During the operation of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), radioactive gases, primarily xenon and krypton, will be produced which will require processing and storing. Two systems have been installed in the FFTF for handling these gases: (1) one to handle, primarily, the reactor cover gas system, and (2) a second to handle the cells and cover gas systems, other than the reactor, whose atmosphere may become contaminated. The system that processes the reactor cover gas, which is argon, is called the Radioactive Argon Processing System (RAPS). The effluent argon from RAPS will normally be sufficiently decontaminated to allow its reuse as the reactor cover gas. If the radioactive level in the RAPS becomes too high, the exhaust stream will be diverted to the Cell Atmosphere Processing System (CAPS), a system which can function as a backup to RAPS. The design and operation of the RAPS and CAPS systems are described and certain safety aspects of the systems are discussed. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noninvasive and simplified methods for estimating regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) and regional partition coefficient (#lambda#) using the inhalation of stable xenon (Xe"s) and computed tomographic (CT) scanning are described. Thirty percent Xe"s in 70% oxygen was inhaled for 240 seconds and exhaled for 160 seconds during serial CT scanning without denitrogenation in 26 patients with cerebrovascular diseases and four volunteer controls. During the investigation, the end-tidal Xe"s concentration was continuously monitored with a thermoconductivity analyzer to determine the build-up range (A value) and build-up rate constant (K value) of the artery by the curve fitting method. Calculated A and K values were corrected by the following formulae reported previously: for patients aged 0-20 years, A_e = 0.75A_a + 2.15, K_e = 0.67K_a + 0.69; 21-40 years, A_e = 0.56A_a + 3.24, K_e = 0.38K_a + 1.12; 41-60 years, A_e = 0.91A_a + 1.95, K_e = 0.38K_a + 1.32; over 61 years, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The full text follows. A thermal neutron imaging facility (TNIF) capable of real time neutron radiography and computed tomography was developed for the University of Texas TRIGA Mark II (UT-TRIGA) reactor from 1994-1998. The facility was developed with a through reactor beam port capable of producing a 5.2 x 10{sup 6} n/cm{sup 2}/s thermal neutron flux with a gamma dose rate of less than 1 mR/s after collimation. The original TNIF included the UT-TRIGA reactor, neutron collimation array, sample positioning system, neutron image intensifier tube, video camera, computerized image acquisition system, and a radiation shield. A 0.7 mm slit in cadmium was easily detectable using neutron radiography, and 1.4 mm diameter holes bored in an aluminum block were easily resolved using computed neutron tomography. Precise lower limits of the system resolution have hot been determined. The TNIF is currently being revamped to begin work with the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The cross-coupled interferometer is a new design for interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Similar to the baseline gravitational wave detectors proposed for Advanced LIGO, it uses long-arm cavities in which the signal is generated. The signal fields are then extracted from the arm cavities with an additional cavity behind the long-arm cavities. The tuning of this signal extraction cavity and the parallel tuning of the signal recycling mirror can be used to optimize the peak frequency and the bandwidth of the detector independently. If we replace the signal recycling mirror by a small cavity, it is possible to amplify signals in two different frequency bands.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The proposed Sudbury Neutrino Observatory is based on a Cherenkov detector which has a total of 1000 tonne of heavy water and 1800 tonne of light water for its sensitive volume. The detector is optimized for the measurement of extra-terrestrial low energy electron neutrinos and electron antineutrinos spectra as well as the total neutrino flux independent of neutrino flavours. It will delineate the Standard Solar Model and neutrino propagation aspects of the solar neutrino problem, provide detailed information on the dynamics of stellar collapse and measure neutrino masses and oscillation parameters with high sensitivity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Long-Range Alpha Detector (LRAD) systems are designed to monitor alpha contamination by measuring the number of ions in the air. Alpha particles are a form of ionizing radiation and a typical 5-MeV alpha particle will create about 150,000 ion pairs in air. Field tests at various DOE sites have shown that LRAD Surface Soil Monitors (SSM), Sample Monitors, and Object Monitors are faster and more sensitive than traditional alpha detectors for measuring alpha contamination. This paper discusses the various applications of LRAD technology to low-level radioactive waste management.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose/Objective: At present, treatment verification between portal and reference images is performed based on manually-identified features by radiation oncologist, which is both time-consuming and potentially error-prone. There is a demand for the computerized verification procedure in clinical application. The purpose of this study is to develop a computerized portal verification scheme for pelvic treatment fields. Materials/Methods: The automated verification system involves image acquisition, image feature extraction, feature matching between reference and portal images and quantitative evaluation of patient setup. Electronic portal images with a matrix size of 256 x 256 and 12 bit gray levels were acquired using a liquid matrix electronic portal imaging device. Simulation images were acquired by digitizing simulation films using a TV camera into images with 256 x 256 matrix and 8 bit gray levels. Initially a Canny edge detector is applied ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Bragg-curve detector of the parallel plate ionization chamber type generates a signal that is a distorted replica of the original Bragg-curve. In result of this distortion, the signal peak height is not only a function of the atomic number of the heavy ion, as it is often stated, but also of the particle mass. This mass effect was studied with the aid of computer simulation, and it was found to be dependent on the Frisch grid to anode gap width and on the detector gas. The charge resolution of the detector is affected very significantly by this mass dependence of the signal peak height. Therefore, a careful selection of the detector gas and the grid to anode gap width is necessary, if good charge resolution over a wide range of heavy ions is required. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A Bragg curve detector (BCD) has been designed and built to be used for AMS purposes. Its design is described and its performance, obtained in tests at the Australian National University (ANU), is reported. At a {sup 36}Cl energy of 154 MeV, the energy resolution was found to be 0.38%, and the charge resolution 1.3%. The {sup 36}Cl and {sup 36}S are completely discriminated. Good separation was also achieved at 64 MeV, and a measurement at this energy of the {sup 36}Cl/Cl ratio of a sample measured previously at 154 MeV with the standard ANU ionization detector agreed well with the earlier value. This very simple detector has been shown to be suitable for use in AMS programs.

Science.gov (United States)

Jan 18, 2011 ... The Radiation Assessment Detector, shown prior to its September 2010 ... This 360-degree panorama shows the vista from the location where ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

English 1998 p. 124 Poland Antanasijevic, R. Vukovic, J. Novakovic, V. Tasic,

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We studied the effects of small, <20 {micro}m, Te inclusions on the energy resolution of CdZnTe gamma-ray detectors using a highly collimated X-ray beam and gamma-rays, and modeled them via a simplified geometrical approach. Previous reports demonstrated that Te inclusions of about a few microns in diameter degraded the charge-transport properties and uniformity of CdZnTe detectors. The goal of this work was to understand the extent to which randomly distributed Te-rich inclusions affect the energy resolution of CZT detectors, and to define new steps to overcome their deleterious effects. We used a phenomenological model, which depends on several adjustable parameters, to reproduce the experimentally measured effects of inclusions on energy resolution. We also were able to hound the materials-related problem and predict the enhancement in performance expected by reducing the size and number of Te inclusions within ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Bragg-curve detector of the parallel plate ionization chamber type generates a signal that is a distorted replica of the original Bragg-curve. In result of this distortion, the signal peak height is not only a function of the atomic number of the heavy ion, as it is often stated, but also of the particle mass. This mass effect was studied with the aid of computer simulation, and it was found to be dependent on the Frisch grid to anode gap width and on the detector gas. The charge resolution of the detector is affected very significantly by this mass dependence of the signal peak height. Therefore, a careful selection of the detector gas and the grid to anode gap width is necessary, if good charge resolution over a wide range of heavy ions is required.

Science.gov (United States)

Apr 18, 2008 ... The FSS was produced by point-source filtering the individual detector data ... a 1-sigma noise map; and a coverage map giving the count of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Steam Generator (SG) serves as an interface between primary and secondary cycle in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). Failure of steam generator tubes result in leaking of active heavy water in the secondary closed loop. In Tarapur Atomic Power Station-3 and 4 (TAPS- 3 and 4), Scintillator detectors are provided to detect on line heavy water leakages in SG and moderator heat exchangers by monitoring Nitrogen-16 (16N) and Oxygen-19 (19O) activities. Efficacy of detection of these activities at designed detector position on SG blow down line in presence of background radiation field is analysed theoretically. The count rate of 19O and 16N estimated at the detector position inside Reactor Building (RB) shows that detectors only respond to very high leak rates due to presence of high ambient radiation level even though sensitivity is appreciably good. For detector position in ...

Science.gov (United States)

FIG. 4. Power Spectral Density of the MAP W11 radiometer. The red and black traces are the power spectral density measurements of the two detectors on the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Russian 1977. p. 582. USSR Antropov, AE Fedoseeva, OP Milovanov,

Science.gov (United States)

Mar 1, 2011 ... Currently there is no compact, portable and real time neutron detector instrumentation available for use inside spacecraft or on planetary ...

CERN Document Server

The quantum nature of the electromagnetic field imposes a fundamental limit on the sensitivity of optical precision measurements such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and interferometry. The so-called quantum limit is set by the zero-point fluctuations of the electromagnetic field, which constrain the precision with which optical signals can be measured. In the world of precision measurement, laser-interferometric gravitational wave (GW) detectors are the most sensitive position meters ever operated, capable of measuring distance changes on the order of 10^-18 m RMS over kilometer separations caused by GWs from astronomical sources. The sensitivity of currently operational and future GW detectors is limited by quantum optical noise. Here we demonstrate a 44% improvement in displacement sensitivity of a prototype GW detector with suspended quasi-free mirrors at frequencies where the sensitivity is shot-noise-limited, by ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The status of Monte Carlo system for the simulation of Bremsstrahlung in arbitrary decays and for the decay itself of #tau# -lepton is reviewed. During the last #tau# -lepton conference in 2010 several developments of the last two years have been presented: (i) For the TAUOLA Monte Carlo generator of #tau# -lepton decays, automated and simultaneous use of many versions of form-factors for the calculation of optional weights for fits was developed and checked to work in Belle and BaBar software environment. On-going work on alternative parameterizations of hadronic decays is presented too. (ii) The TAUOLA universal interface based on HepMC (the C++ event record) is now public. A similar interface for PHOTOS is now also public. (iii) Extension of PHOTOS Monte Carlo for QED Bremsstrahlung in decays featuring kernels based on complete first order matrix element are gradually becoming widely available thanks to properties of the new, HepMC based ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Personnel radiation monitoring is essential to the operation of any nuclear facility and work in this area continues to strive for an accurate determination of personnel dose. In particular recent attention has been focused upon the need to improve the accuracy of neutron dosimetry, mainly because of their high Relative Biological Effectiveness. In this work the feasibility of using the NE-213 liquid scintillation detector as an efficient neutron/..gamma.. ray radiation monitor is demonstrated. Derivative method spectrum unfolding used in MATXUF for on-line analysis of fast neutron spectra has also been applied to real time ..gamma.. spectrum unfolding (MATXUF2), making possible simultaneous on-line monitoring of both fast neutrons and gammas. To eliminate the negative fluxes in the unfolded ..gamma.. spectra created by the photopeak-Compton edge combination in the plateau portion of the knee response, correcting equations using a linearized approximation to the ...

Science.gov (United States)

Personnel radiation monitoring is essential to the operation of any nuclear facility and work in this area continues to strive for an accurate determination of personnel dose. In particular recent attention has been focused upon the need to improve the accuracy of neutron dosimetry, mainly because of their high Relative Biological Effectiveness. In this work the feasibility of using the NE-213 liquid scintillation detector as an efficient neutron/gamma ray radiation monitor is demonstrated. Derivative method spectrum unfolding used in MATXUF for on-line analysis of fast neutron spectra has also been applied to real time gamma spectrum unfolding (MATXUF2), making possible simultaneous on-line monitoring of both fast neutrons and gammas. To eliminate the negative fluxes in the unfolded gamma spectra created by the photopeak-compton edge combination in the plateau portion of the knee response, correcting equations using a linearized approximation to the electron ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Feynman-#alpha# method was applied to measurement of reactivity and the ability of this method for a real-time reactivity monitoring system was assessed. In the experiment, all measured data by BF_3 detectors were stored in a multi-channel scaler controlled by a personal computer, and they were analyzed to obtain prompt neutron decay constant (#alpha#) and reactivity with consideration of dead time of detector. It was found that #alpha# could be obtained almost in a real-time even for both positive and negative reactivities by the present experimental technique. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radon concentration measurement in the ground can be used for the prospecting for uranium and earthquake prediction. Some results of radon concentration measurement in the soil are presented here. The moisture condensation at the detector surface can affect on the detection efficiency. Due to this problem we tested a few filter papers on water permeability. The ratio of track densities on solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) in the open and the closed diffusion chamber is also determined. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The transition radiation detector (TRD) for the D{Phi} experiment is currently in operation at Fermilab. Transition radiation production, which has been clearly observed in the collider data, makes the TRD a valuable tool to discriminate electrons and hadrons. We describe an algorithm based on the truncated energy, and illustrate its use for top signal and background. (authors). 7 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A large Bragg-curve spectrometer has been constructed and tested. The detector has a cylindrical geometry and operates with a homogeneous electric field. Energy resolutions of <0.8% and Z resolutions of Z/#DELTA#Z=80 have been achieved for eleastically scattered "5"8Ni ions. These results demonstrate the suitability of this large solid-angle detector for use in a wide variety of heavy-ion scattering experiments. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A multi-spectral Schottky barrier infrared detector array in which individual pixels of radiation from a remote radiating object are detected by two or more Schottky barrier infrared radiation detectors each having a different spectral response so as to provide a ''color'' discrimination for the array.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study mainly concerns medical explorations by radioisotopes. Detectors with medical exams and applications are described. Ionisation chambers, semiconductor detectors and scintillation counters are also presented. Uses of radioisotopes in medicine in vivo and in vitro techniques are explained. Examples of scintiscanning are given like: angiography, nuclear cardiography and thyroid scintiscanning. The importance of the study is to present a panorama of nuclear medicine laboratories -at the time- in hospitals in Lebanon.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This patent describes a {gamma}-ray detector. It comprises: a dislocation-free single crystal having an input surface and a transmission surface at opposite ends thereof; an active shield surrounding the crystal and functioning as an anticoincidence counter; and {gamma}-ray detector means disposed adjacent the transmission surface of the crystal for receiving and detecting {gamma}-rays of a predetermined wavelength incident on the input surface of the crystal at a specific Bragg angle and transmitted through the crystal.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The IGC-30 HPGe detector with MCA 'CANBERRA-10 PLUS' allows to determine surface contamination of areas of any type with a minimum error in radius 8-10 m, at a 'uniform' contamination. A modification of the CANBERRA hardware and software is described allowing determination of both the activity of a possible 'radioactive spot' and the activity of the whole observed surface. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The working group reviewed the main difficulties foreseen in doing physics at a gamma-gamma collider. They discussed the requirements for the detector, calculated some of the signal and background rates, compared methods of measuring luminosity, looked at how to get the laser beams in, investigated ways of sweeping aside the electrons and considered ways of disposing of the used beams. No overwhelming obstacles were found but important questions still need to be answered. ((orig.)).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A portable fiber optic detector that senses the presence of specific target chemicals by electrostatically attracting the target chemical to an aromatic compound coating on an optical fiber. Attaching the target chemical to the coated fiber reduces the fluorescence so that a photon sensing detector records the reduced light level and activates an appropriate alarm or indicator.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A computer program 'CPA simulator' has been designed to simulate the response parameters of a typical charge preamplifier (CPA) used in nuclear front-end electronics. The response parameters are studied considering three common connection methods between the detector and the CPA. The simulator predicts and illustrates the role and influence of the different components of the CPA and detector circuits.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The theory of neutron moderation and spectroscopy are briefly reviewed, and moderators that are useful for Bonner sphere spectrometers are discussed. The choice of the neutron detector for a Bonner sphere spectrometer is examined. Spectral deconvolution methods are briefly reviewed, including derivative, parametric, quadrature, and Monte Carlo methods. Calibration is then discussed. (LEW)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Surface barrier detectors may be damaged, because of microplasma breakdown, in rapid application of bias voltage. The high performance FETs of very low noise preamplifiers may also be damaged by rapid changes of the bias voltage. The electronic device described permits the gradual application and removal of the bias voltage, without any influence on the power supply specification. (Auth.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Prompt fission neutron spectrum measurements at the University of Massachusetts Lowell 5.5 MV Van de Graaff accelerator laboratory require that the neutron detector efficiency be well known over a neutron energy range of 100 keV to 20 MeV. The efficiency of the detector, has been determined for energies greater than 5.0 MeV using the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) white neutron source at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) in a pulsed beam, time-of-flight (TOF) experiment. Carbon matched polyethylene and graphite scatterers were used to obtain a hydrogen spectrum. The detector efficiency was determined using the well known H(n,n) scattering cross section. Results are compared to the detector efficiency calculation program SCINFUL available from the Radiation Shielding Information Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

CERN Document Server

A new monolithic semi-insulating (SI) GaAs sensor design for X-ray imaging applications between 10-100keV has been proposed. Monolithic pixel detectors offer a number of advantages over hybrid bump-bonded detectors, such as high device yield, low costs and are easier to produce large scale arrays. In this thesis, an investigation is made of the use of a SI GaAs wafer as both a detector element and substrate for the epitaxially grown High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs). The design of the HEMT transistors, optimised for this application, were produced with the aid of the Silvaco 'Virtual Wafer Fab' simulation package. It was determined that the device characteristics would consist of a small positive threshold voltage, a low off-state drain current and high transconductance. The final HEMT transistor design, that would be integrated to a pixel detector, had a threshold voltage of 0.17V, an ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This SBIR Phase I developed neutron detectors made from gallium arsenide (GaAs) p-type/ intrinsic/n-type (P-I-N) diodes grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) onto semi-insulating (S1) bulk GaAs wafers. A layer of isotonically enriched boron-10 evaporated onto the front surface serves to convert incoming neutrons into lithium ions and a 1.47 MeV alpha particle which creates electron-hole pairs that are detected by the GaAs diode. Various thicknesses of ''intrinsic'' (I) undoped GaAs were tested, as was use of a back-surface field (BSF) formed from a layer of Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}As. Schottky-barrier diodes formed from the same structures without the p+ GaAs top layer were tested as a comparison. After mesa etching and application of contacts, devices were tested in visible light before application of the boron coating. Internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of the best diode near the GaAs bandedge ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Positron annihilation experiments on Fe-Cu model dilute alloys of nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels have been performed after neutron irradiation in JMTR. Nanovoids whose inner surfaces were covered by Cu atoms were clearly observed. The nanovoids transformed to ultrafine Cu precipitates by dissociating their vacancies after annealing at around 400degC. The nanovoids and the ultrafine Cu precipitates are strongly suggested to be responsible for irradiation-induced embrittlement of RPV steels. Effects of Ni, Mn and P addition on the nanovoid and Cu precipitate formations were also studied. The nanovoid formation was enhanced by Ni and P, but suppressed by Mn. The Cu precipitates after annealing around 400degC were almost free from these doping elements and hence were pure Cu in the chemical composition. Furthermore the Fermi surface of the 'embedded' Cu precipitates with a body centered cubic crystal structure was obtained from two dimensional angular ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes measurements performed with annular uranium metal castings of different enrichments to investigate the use of {sup 252}Cf-source-driven noise analysis measurements as a means to quantify the amount of special nuclear material (SNM) in the casting. This work in FY 97 was sponsored by the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant and the DOE Office of Technology Development Programs. Previous measurements and calculational studies have shown that many of the signatures obtained from the source-driven measurement are very sensitive to fissile mass. Measurements were performed to assess the applicability of this method to standard annular uranium metal castings at the Oak Ridge Y-12 plant under verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) using the Nuclear Weapons Identification System (NWIS) processor. Before the measurements with different enrichments, a limited study of source-detector-casting moderator configurations was ...