CERN Document Server

This dissertation describes the evaluation of many-pixel Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CdZnTe) hard-X-ray detectors for future use with the High Energy Replicated Optics (HERO) telescope being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center. The detector requirements for the HERO application are good energy resolution (sufficient to resolve cyclotron features and nuclear lines), spatial resolution of ∼200 μm, minimal charge loss of absorbed X rays, and minimal sensitivity to the background environment. This research concentrates on assessing the suitability of these detectors for the focus of HERO, and includes the development of a simulation of the physics involved in an X-ray-detector interaction, a study of the intrinsic material properties, measurements with prototype detectors such as the energy and spatial resolution, charge loss, and X-ray background ...

CERN Document Server

High pressure xenon ionization chamber detectors are possible alternatives to traditional thallium doped sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) and hyperpure germanium as gamma spectrometers in certain applications. Xenon detectors incorporating a Frisch grid exhibit energy resolutions comparable to cadmium/zinc/telluride (CZT) (e.g. 2% (at) 662keV) but with far greater sensitive volumes. The Frisch grid reduces the position dependence of the anode pulse risetimes, but it also increases the detector vibration sensitivity, anode capacitance, voltage requirements and mechanical complexity. We have been investigating the possibility of eliminating the grid electrode in high-pressure xenon detectors and preserving the high energy resolution using electronic risetime compensation methods. A two-electrode cylindrical high pressure xenon gamma detector coupled to time-to-amplitude ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of Sandia National Laboratories' participation in the NASA Planetary Definition and Design Program are summarized. Areas reported include the characterization of large area cadmium zinc telluride spectrometers and the application of simulation techniques to the prediction of device performance. Also investigated was the response of mercuric iodide devices in the region from 1 to 100 KeV. A literature study to determine the status or radiation damage measurements in room temperature semiconductor devices is also reported.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coaxial nanocables with a single-crystalline zinc telluride (ZnTe) nanowire core and an amorphous silicon oxide (SiO_x) shell have been synthesized via a simple one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method on gold-decorated silicon substrates. The single-crystal ZnTe nanowire core is in zinc-blende structure along the [111] direction, while the uniform SiO_x shell fully covers the core with no observable pin-hole or crack. Formation mechanisms of the ZnTe-SiO_x nanocables are discussed. The ZnTe nanowire core shows p-type electrical properties while the SiO_x shell acts as an effective insulating layer. The ZnTe-SiO_x nanocables may have potential applications in nanoscale devices, such as p-type FETs and nanosensors.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

X-ray fluorescence analysis was used to determine the zinc content of the ''Perilacin'' powder and the ZnO content of the ''Epiderman-pix'' powder. The characteristic Ksub(#alpha#) line of zinc was excited using a "1"4"7Pm/Mo source (10"7 s"-"1) and the molybdenum Ksub(#alpha#) line (17.47 keV). 4 to 5% Zn and 45 to 49% ZnO were determined with a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The radiation intensity was found to decrease with particle size. (M.K.).

Science.gov (United States)

... Abstract : Cadmium telluride single crystals were subjected to multiple-energy boron ion implants with total doses up to 1.5 x 10 sq cm. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This patent describes an improved zinc electrode for a rechargeable zinc-air battery comprising an outer frame and a porous foam electrode support within the frame which is treated prior to the deposition of zinc thereon to inhibit the formation of zinc dendrites on the external surface thereof. The outer frame is provided with passageways for circulating an alkaline electrolyte through the treated zinc-coated porous foam. A novel rechargeable zinc-air battery system is also disclosed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The invention comprises an improved rechargeable zinc-air cell/battery having recirculating alkaline electrolyte and a zinc electrode comprising a porous foam support material which carries the active zinc electrode material. 5 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Science.gov (United States)

Cadmium telluride single crystals were subjected to multiple-energy boron ion implants with total doses up to 1.5 x 10 sq cm. Various diagnostic techniques were used to assess the structural and electronic properties of these crystals in their as-implante...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes zinc-air battery for electric vehicle (EV). This battery is composed of air electrode, zinc electrode, and alkali electrolyte. During the discharge, oxygen taken from the air is reduced at the air electrode, and zinc is dissolved at the zinc electrode. The whole reaction is formation of zinc oxide from oxygen and zinc. This is taken out to use as a secondary battery through exchange and regeneration, which is called mechanical charge. For Electric Fuel, discharged products in the zinc electrode from a spent EV are extracted by a vibrating crusher, and are dissolved in KOH to prepare zinc ion electrolyte. Thus, zinc is obtained through the electrolytic refining. Since the regenerated zinc is separated from the electrolytic electrode as a form of dendritic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes a new idea for zinc-air battery design. The novel idea is a porous zinc electrode surrounded with a supersaturated zincate solution. 3 figs. (JDH)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For the development of a long-lived, electrically rechargeable zinc-air battery the structure and wettability of pasted zinc electrodes were optimized. Pasted zinc electrodes containing 1 to 10% cellulose, but having almost the same nominal capacities, were prepared and tested in zinc/oxygen cells. The effect of discharge rate on cell voltage and delivered capacity, as well as the maximum power, were measured. Furthermore, cell charge-discharge behaviour and cycle life were examined. After different times of operation, the porosity and the pore size distribution of the pasted zinc electrodes were measured by means of mercury porosimetry. The life cycle and peak power drain capability of the Zn/oxygen battery could be substantially improved by the addition of 10 wt% cellulose to the pasted zinc electrode. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The possibilities of using both selective heavy ion induced X-ray emission and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), for the identification of impurities present at low concentrations in cadmium telluride are examined. The relative concentrations of the impurities along CdTe crystals have been determined by exciting the X-ray emission of the elements in several slices with Ar and Kr ions and by comparing the relative characteristic X-ray emission yields. As a consequence of the quasimolecular inner shell ionization mechanism in heavy ion-atom collisions, Ar and Kr ions allow a strong excitation of the main impurities seen by SIMS namely Si, Cl and Ge, As, with only a minor contribution of Cd and Te. From the changes of the concentrations of the various impurities along the crystal, informations about segregation coefficients and compensation can be obtained.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A combination of measuring instruments, consisting of a Beta-Sedimeter and a radionuclide X-ray fluorescence instrument, is described. With the Beta-Sedimeter the C-14-radiation is measured. Through direct irradiation with photons of a Pu238-source in an ancillary irradiation chamber and energy dispersing measurement of the K- and L-radiation resp. of the excited heavy metals with the aid of a Si(Li)-semiconductor detector and a 4-channel analyzer the heavy metal concentrations of the heavy metals Zn, Cr, Ni and Pb are determined. For the determination of cadmium the indirect excitation with Am-241 and Dy-targets is described. The system produces records and operates fully automatically in a step-by-step mode with a testing cycle of 45 minutes. In connection with the process monitoring of the wastewater from a zinc plating plant during a period of 8 months the concentration of the solid material and of the metals Cr and Zn, which were ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

FexZn1-x alloys were electrochemically deposited on aluminum substrates from a sulfate bath. The K?/K? x-ray intensity ratios of Zn and Fe in FexZn1-x thin films have been experimentally studied. The energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique was used to measure K x-ray photons. Samples were excited by using 59.5 keV photons emitted by a 50 mCi 241Am radioactive source. The emitted K x-rays were detected by an Ultra-LEGe detector having a resolution of 150 eV at 5.9 keV. In addition, the effect of bath composition on the phase structure was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The composition of the thin films was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. Iron content was shown to strongly affect the structure of Zn-Fe alloys. It was found that the K-shell x-ray intensity ratio changed in FexZn1-x thin films for different values of x. The reason for this change may be that the electronegativity of iron is higher than that of ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

A general account of the properties, growing technology and annealing of lead-tin-telluride single crystals is given. Photoconductors were made for the 8 to 14 micron. spectral range and responsivity, detectivity and spectral response measurements showed satisfactory results. Improvement in the growing and annealing of the single crystals promise good performance in the near future.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The zinc-air battery/fuel cell is an old technology invented one hundred years ago. However, there is renewed interest in this technology in response to the growing need for clean energy technology. The zinc-air battery/fuel cell is more attractive than similar technologies because its characteristics include high power density, safe operation and storage, and low cost. Zinc-air battery/fuel cells can be made in milliwatts to mega watts to accommodate different applications. The zinc-air battery/fuel cell has four major designs, namely primary, mechanically rechargeable, continuous feed and electrically rechargeable zinc-air battery/fuel cells. Among the different designs, the most common is the air cathode. There are 3 generations of catalysts used in the air cathodes. This paper discussed the different designs of the zinc-air battery/fuel cell, and more ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report summarizes the results of research conducted during the sixteen month continuation of a program to develop rechargeable zinc-air batteries for electric vehicles. The zinc-air technology under development incorporates a metal foam substrate for the zinc electrode, with flow of electrolyte through the foam during battery operation. In this soluble'' zinc electrode the zincate discharge product dissolves completely in the electrolyte stream. Cycle testing at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, where the electrode was invented, and at MATSI showed that this approach avoids the zinc electrode shape change phenomenon. Further, electrolyte flow has been shown to be necessary to achieve significant cycle life (> 25 cycles) in this open system. Without it, water loss through the oxygen electrode results in high-resistance failure of the cell. The Phase I program, ...

Science.gov (United States)

Language: English ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The addition of ZnO, depleted in the Zn-64 isotope, to the water of boiling water nuclear reactors lessens the accumulation of Co-60 on the reactor interior surfaces, reduces radioactive wastes and increases the reactor service-life because of the inhibitory action of zinc on inter-granular stress corrosion cracking. To the same effect depleted zinc in the form of acetate dihydrate is used in pressurized water reactors. Gas centrifuge isotope separation method is applied for production of depleted zinc on the industrial scale. More than 20 years of depleted zinc application history demonstrates its benefits for reduction of NPP personnel radiation exposure and combating construction materials corrosion.

CERN Document Server

Spectrochemical analysis using infrared multichannel detectors

CERN Document Server

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For the development of a rechargeable zinc/air battery, La[sub 0.6]Ca[sub 0.4]CoO[sub 3]-catalyzed (perovskite) bifunctional oxygen electrodes and pasted zinc electrodes were prepared and tested in monopolar zinc/air cells. In addition, a bipolar Zn/air stack was tested using reticulated copper foam as substrate for the zinc deposit. The cells were cycled in moderately alkaline ZnO-saturated electrolyte with KF as an electrolyte additive. The maximum power as well as the cycle life of the cells was investigated. The differences in porosity of the zinc electrode before and after the long-term test were analyzed using mercury porosimetry. (author) 8 figs., 13 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With specific energy of more than 200 Wh/kg, the Electric Fuel zinc-air battery delivers as much as eight times the energy of lead-acid traction battery, more than twice the energy of the nearest advanced-battery competitor, and as much energy as a tank of gasoline. (author)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundZhx1 to 3 (zinc-fingers and homeoboxes) form a set of paralogous genes encoding multi-domain proteins. ZHX proteins consist of two zinc fingers followed...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objective: To evaluate effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the viability, membrane properties, and zinc distribution, with and without the presence of Zn²⁺, in human prostate...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Zinc modulates the activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase, the rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Low cerebrospinal...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Attempt to form the Schottky barrier on mercury indium telluride (MIT) surface by deposition transparent conducting electrode (TCE) and avoid the negative results by non-rectifier contacts nature, we have investigated the oxidation of clean MIT surfaces to form an insulating layer to overcome this disadvantage by metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photodetectors designing. Oxide film is grown on the MIT surface by plasma enhance chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Previously cleaned MIT wafers were dipped and boiled in solution, which consists of mixture of bromine and an organic solvent in ratio of 1:50. By the way of using these films as intermediate slightly conducting insulator, a fast-response MIT based surface-barrier photodetectors have been developed. Pt films were used as TCE frontal electrode by vacuum magnetron sputtering (VMS). The current-voltage characteristic is described quantitatively based on the energy diagram and the found parameters of the ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

Research on Diffusion Zinc Cladding of Structural Steels, as Well as Their Mechanical and Corrosion Properties to Replace Their Cyanic Cadmium Plating

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Short note. 2 refs.; 1 tab.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper reports the recovery of zinc and cadmium following 6.1 MeV alpha particle irradiation at 4.2 K as studied by means of electrical reistivity measurements. Specimens of 10 #mu#m thick have been used in order to obtain a homogeneous defect distribution over the whole thickness of the specimen. The pre-irradiation resistivity ratios were 700 and 750 for cadmium and zinc, respectively. (Auth.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Research was conducted to determine the effect of electrochemical aging on large area arc-sprayed zinc anodes for cathodic protection of bridges and other reinforced concrete structures. The study focused on the influence of total charge passed and concrete surface preparation on the bonding of the zinc to the concrete. Half of the samples were preheated prior to being arc-sprayed with zinc. The preheated samples had initial bond strengths that were 80% higher than the unheated samples. This difference in bond strength became insignificant after the passage of approximately 200 kC/m{sup 2} (5.2 A-h/ft{sup 2}) and bond strengths for all samples started to decrease after approximately 600 kC/m{sup 2} (15.5 A-h/ft{sup 2}). These changes in bond strength were correlated with observed changes in the permeability of the zinc coating to water, the electrical behavior of the zinc-concrete ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To study CdZnTe as a high energy resolution gamma ray detector with a novel new design, and to build a detector array from the new detector design

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

CERN Multimedia

Small world when building a particle detector prototype, the devil is in the tiny details

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document reports the progress and accomplishments of a 16 month program to develop a rechargeable zinc-air battery for electric vehicle propulsion, from October 1988 through January 1990. The program was the first stage in the transition of alkaline zinc electrode technology, invented at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, to private industry. The LBL invention teaches the use of a copper metal foam substrate for the zinc electrode, in combination with forced convection of electrolyte through the foam during battery operation. Research at LBL showed promise that this approach would avoid shape change (densification and dendrite growth), the primary failure mode of this electrode. The program comprised five tasks; (1) cell design, (2) capacity maximization, (3) cycle testing, (4) materials qualification, and (5) a cost/design study. The cell design contemplates a plate and frame stack, with alternating ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of pigments on the development of corrosion products between the painting system and metal surface when exposed to marine environments has been discussed. The pigments studied were: red mud zinc chromate, zinc chromate, red oxide zinc phosphate, manganese phosphate barium chromate and basic lead silico chromate. Moessbauer spectroscopy revealed that the upper rust layer in all the cases consisted of #gamma#-Fe_2O_3, #gamma#-FeOOH and #alpha#-FeOOH. The lower rust layer immediately in contact with the metal surface consisted of an asymmetrical doublet due to #gamma#-FeOOH. (Auth.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A zinc/air battery is claimed whose performance is improved by omitting separating elements such as diaphragms etc. The cathode and anode spaces are separated by a collector with holes big enough to permit the electrons to pass freely while restraining the anode material. Further, the active material consists of a spherical care of inert material with a zinc coating. Under the zinc coating, the spherical particles have another thin coating of an electropositive material, e.g. nickel. The cell also contains means for circulating the anode suspension.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electric Fuel Ltd. is engaged in the design, development and commercialization of its proprietary zinc/air battery technology for electric vehicles, consumer electronic products and defence applications. To meet the challenging requirements for propelling an all-electric bus, the Vehicle Division sought a unique solution: an all electric battery-battery hybrid propulsion system. The high energy zinc/air battery is coupled with a high-power auxiliary battery. The combined system offers zero emission, high power and long range in an economically viable package. The consumer battery group has developed a high power primary zinc/air cell aimed at cellular phone users, offering extended use, convenience and low cost. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Micro-batteries are one of the key components that restrict the application of autonomous Microsystems. However little efforts were made to solve the problem. We have proposed a new planar zinc/air micro-battery, suitable for autonomous microsystem applications. The micro-battery has a layered structure of zinc electrode/alkaline electrolyte/air cathode. A 3D zinc electrode with a high density of posts was designed to obtain a high porosity, hence to offer a best performance. A model of the micro-battery is developed and the device performances were simulated and discussed. A four-mask process was developed to fabricate the prototype micro-batteries. The preliminary testing results showed the micro-batteries is able to deliver a maximum power up to 5 mW, and with an average power of 100 {mu}W at a steady period for up to 2hrs. Fabrication process is still under optimization for further improvement.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Micronutrient deficiencies are a public health concern among young children in low-income countries, and novel strategies are needed to improve the nutritional status of children at risk. One promising approach is the use of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS), which can be added to complementary food at the time of consumption. The optimal amount of zinc to include in LNS is uncertain, and concerns have been expressed about possible adverse effects of zinc on sensory characteristics of LNS. We conducted a series of acceptability studies of LNS containing either 0 or 10-mg of zinc per daily 20-g LNS dose among Burkinabe children 9-15 months old and their mothers. These acceptability studies included observations of children's consumption, maternal and child sensory reaction to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

One chemical reagent, hydrazine hydrate, was discovered to accelerate the growth of semiconductor nanocrystals (cadmium telluride) instead of additional energy, which was applied to the synthesis of high-quality CdTe nanocrystals at room temperature and ambient conditions within several hours. Under this mild condition the mercapto stabilizers were not destroyed, and they guaranteed CdTe nanocrystal particle sizes with narrow and uniform distribution over the largest possible range. The CdTe nanocrystals (photoluminescence emission range of 530-660 nm) synthesized in this way had very good spectral properties; for instance, they showed high photoluminescence quantum yield of up to 60%. Furthermore, we have succeeded in detecting the living Borrelia burgdorferi of Lyme disease by its photoluminescence image using CdTe nanocrystals.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this article, the author presents the main technological solutions, available or in development, on X-ray detectors in order to obtain a digital image in biomedical radiography or in industrial radiography: linear x-ray detectors and bidimensional x-ray detectors (memory radioluminescent screens, matrix plan detectors).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An investigation was conducted into alternative techniques for zinc and electrolyte regeneration and reuse in the refuelable zinc/air battery that was developed by LLNL and previously tested on a moving electric bus using cut wire. Mossy zinc was electrodeposited onto a bipolar array of inclined Ni plates with an energy consumption of 1.8 kWh/kg. Using a H{sub 2}-depolarized anode, zinc was deposited at 0.6 V (0.8 kA/m{sup 2}); the open circuit voltage was 0.45 V. Three types of fuel pellets were tested and compared with results for 0.75 mm cut wire: spheres produced in a spouted bed (UCB); coarse powder produced by gas-atomization (Noranda); and irregular pellets produced by chopping 1-mm plates of compacted zinc fines (Eagle-Picher, Inc.). All three types transported within the cell. The coarse powder fed continuously from hopper to cell, as did the compacted pellets (< ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A prototype detector based on the inclined absorber layer principle is introduced. For the Liquids Reflectometer at the Spallation Neutron Source, it is shown to be a significant improvement over its current detector, which imposes an instantaneous count rate limitation of 50 kcps.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A Zinc/Air Battery Review and Strategic Planning Meeting was held in 1993. One outcome of the meeting was recognition of the need for a report on the current status of the technology. This report contains contributions from many of the attendees at the above meeting and expresses their views on where the technology is today and what could/should be done to improve its performance.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To evaluate the relationship between sperm motility and total seminal plasma zinc concentration and high molecular weight zinc bound protein values in infertile Iraqi men. A case-control study was conducted at the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq between March 2005 to February 2006. The subjects for the study included 60 infertile male patients who were recruited Al-Kadhimiya Teaching Hospital, and Institute of Embryo Research and Infertility Treatment, Baghdad, Iraq. They were categorized according to their seminal parameters to oligozoospermia (n=32), azoospermia (n=22), and asthenozoospermia (n=6). Thirty nine fertile men (age range 31.87 +/- 3.76 years) were selected as controls, whose partners had conceived within the last year before participation with this study, and having normal spermiogram parameters. Seminal plasma zinc concentration and high ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A zinc-air battery in a case including a zinc particle bed supported adjacent the current feeder and diaphragm on a porous support plate which holds the particles but passes electrolyte solution. Electrolyte is recycled through a conduit between the support plate and top of the bed by convective forces created by a density of differential caused by a higher concentration of high density discharge products in the interstices of the bed than in the electrolyte recycle conduit.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Because of its high energy density, compatibility with aqueous electrolytes and the low toxicity of its active materials, the zinc-air battery system is an interesting candidate for electric vehicle applications. The use of O{sub 2} from the air as a reactant requires a partially open cell construction and a technologically challenging air interface. This report describes the research and development program at the Paul Scherrer Institute which finally led to the demonstration of a durable, electrically rechargeable zinc-oxygen battery. In a first phase the research program was focused on the development of bifunctional oxygen diffusion electrodes and pasted zinc electrodes. The current-potential behaviour and the cycle life performance of anodes and cathodes was tested in single electrode measurements (three-electrode arrangements) as well as in complete monopolar zinc-oxygen and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report covers the gamma detectors, measurement instrumentation, and testing results of a system developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This system monitors the process liquid waste streams at the Plutonium Facility (TA-55) for the presence of radioactive contamination. The detectors are at various points on the acid, caustic, and industrial waste lines. Two of the detectors are on the sanitary sewer lines from the facility. A custom interface unit associated with these two detectors furnishes the facility operation center with a notification of the detection of material. All of the detectors furnish measurement information to a central computer system for storage and trending.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Proof-of-principle experiments are reported for a new concept in electrically rechargeable zinc-air battery. The zinc electrode is a porous flow-thru type using a copper foam metal substrate with zinc deposition onto the foam metal from concentrated zincate electrolyte (as used in zinc-slurry type batteries). The bifunctional air electrode employs low-cost materials, being fabricated entirely from carbon-based precursors and small amounts of nickel and/or cobalt oxide. Corrosion measurements on the graphite materials in the air electrode indicate sufficient corrosion resistance for 8000 h life on charge. A prototype single cell was constructed having 1.5 Ah capacity producing 1.2 V discharge -2.0 charge at the three hour rate and has produced stable voltages for more than 150 cycles. Based on the 1.5 Ah prototype characteristics, design calculations for a 32 kWh battery project an energy density of ...

CERN Document Server

Design and R&D for the forward calorimeter and silicon tracker of the $\\tau$cF detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method, system and a radiation detector system for use therein are provided for determining the depth distribution of radiation-emitting material distributed in a source medium, such as a contaminated field, without the need to take samples, such as extensive soil samples, to determine the depth distribution. The system includes a portable detector assembly with an x-ray or gamma-ray detector having a detector axis for detecting the emitted radiation. The radiation may be naturally-emitted by the material, such as gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides, or emitted when the material is struck by other radiation. The assembly also includes a hollow collimator in which the detector is positioned. The collimator causes the emitted radiation to bend toward the detector as rays parallel to the detector axis of the detector. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A flexible battery is printed on paper by screen-printing a zinc/carbon/polymer composite anode on one side of the sheet, polymerising a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) cathode on the other side of the sheet, and applying a lithium chloride electrolyte between the two electrodes. The PEDOT cathode is prepared by inkjet printing a pattern of iron(III)p-toluenesulfonate as a solution in butan-1-ol onto paper, followed by vapour phase polymerisation of the monomer. The electrolyte is prepared as a solution of lithium chloride and lithium hydroxide and also applied by inkjet printing on to paper, where it is absorbed into the sheet cross-section. Measurements on a zinc/carbon-PEDOT/air battery in a similar configuration on a polyethylene naphthalate substrate shows a discharge capacity of up to 1.4 mAh cm{sup -2} for an initial load of 2.5 mg zinc, equivalent to almost 70% of the zinc content of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A possibility is considered or reducing the surface heterogeneity effect of an item being tested on the result of radiation flaw detection by means of signal delay of one of detectors in a two-channel radiometric flaw detector. The exposure of a translationally moving item has been studied as well as an external exposure of a rotating hollow item.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Short communication.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

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.

Science.gov (United States)

radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis: the resolving power of the ... The radiation detectors used in radionuclide X-ray fluorescence ...

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; furthermore, the absolute detection efficiency of this ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We prepared cathodes with various types of activated carbon and measured the cathodes' electrochemical performance according to the kind of activated carbon. Activated carbon supplies airflow channels and reaction sites in the cathode of zinc air batteries. When we use activated carbon with a high specific surface area as the cathode's catalyst substrate, we expect high electrochemical performance because this type of carbon provides more air flow channels and reaction sites. We focused on investigating the relationship between the cathode's pore structure and its electrochemical characterizations. We also studied the effects of the various activated carbon materials on the zinc air batteries' performance. Increasing the macropores or mesopores in the activated carbon resulted in achieving more power from the battery. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We present a novel fabrication route yielding Raney-platinum film electrodes intended as glucose oxidation anodes for potentially implantable fuel cells. Fabrication roots on thermal alloying of an extractable metal with bulk platinum at 200^oC for 48h. In contrast to earlier works using carcinogenic nickel, we employ zinc as potentially biocompatible alloying partner. Microstructure analysis indicates that after removal of extractable zinc the porous Raney-platinum film (roughness factor ~2700) consists predominantly of the Pt3Zn phase. Release of zinc during electrode operation can be expected to have no significant effect on physiological normal levels in blood and serum, which promises good biocompatibility. In contrast to previous anodes based on hydrogel-bound catalyst particles the ...

Science.gov (United States)

The glass gene is required for proper photo-receptor differentiation during development of the Drosophila eye glass codes for a DNA-binding protein containing five zinc fingers that we show is a transcriptional activator. A comparison of the sequences of the glass genes from two species of Drosophila and a detailed functional domain analysis of the Drosophila melanogaster glass gene reveal that both the DNA-binding domain and the transcriptional-activation domain are highly conserved between the two species. Analysis of the DNA-binding domain of glass indicates that the three carboxyl-terminal zinc fingers alone are necessary and sufficient for DNA binding. We also show that a deletion mutant of glass containing only the DNA-binding domain can behave in a dominant-negative manner both in vivo and in a cell culture assay that measures transcriptional activation. PMID:7604032

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.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundChanges in ionic concentration have a fundamental effect on numerous physiological processes. For example, IP₃-gated thapsigargin sensitive intracellular calcium...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The development of new methods for gene addition to mammalian genomes is necessary to overcome the limitations of conventional genetic engineering strategies. Although a variety of DNA-modifying enzymes...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The human zinc finger protein genes (ZFX/Y) were identified as a result of a systematic search for the testis-determining factor gene on the human Y chromosome. Although they play no direct role in sex determination, they are of particular interest because they are highly conserved among mammals, birds, and amphibians and because, in eutherian mammals at least, they have active alleles on both the X and the Y chromosomes outside the pseudoautosomal region. We used in situ hybridization to localize the homologues of the zinc finger protein gene to chromosome 1 of the Australian echidna and to an equivalent position on chromosomes 1 and 2 of the playtpus. The localization to platypus chromosome 1 was confirmed by Southern analysis of a Chinese hamster [times] platypus cell hybrid retaining most of platypus chromosome 1. This localization is consistent with the cytological homology of chromosome 1 between the two species. The ...

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Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of iron, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese and zinc in waste water from the production process of citric acid. (author).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe zinc-finger transcription factor GLI3 is an important mediator of Sonic hedgehog signaling and crucial for patterning of many aspects of the vertebrate body plan. In...Full Text Available

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The technical feasibility of the solar carbothermal reduction of ZnO has been successfully demonstrated in a pilot plant. The economics of this process is addressed by means of a single sensitivity analysis and a Monte-Carlo risk analysis. A medium-term and a long-term scenario have been investigated, each for a 5 and a 30 MW{sub th} plant. For a discount rate of 15% the zinc production costs vary between 482 and 245 $/t for the medium-term scenario and between 312 and 146 $/t for the long-term scenario, respectively. These costs do not account for the zinc oxide input material. In addition, a risk analysis was conducted for the 30 MW{sub th} long-term scenario. For each input parameter, a probability distribution was estimated and the probability distribution of the zinc production cost was calculated by means of a Monte-Carlo method. The expected mean zinc production costs vary from 95 $/t for a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A photon-induced x-ray fluorescence method allowing the simultaneous determination of iron, copper, zinc, bromine and rubidium in human blood and blood plasma samples is described. The method is reliable and has a good sensitivity for a wide range of elements. (author).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundEvidence on human semen quality as it relates to exposure to various metals, both essential (e.g., zinc, copper) and nonessential (e.g., cadmium, lead), is inconsistent....Full Text Available

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This document, Part 2 of Volume 2, provides appendices to this report and includes the following technologies, zinc/air battery; lithium/molybdenum disulfide battery; sodium/sulfur battery; nickel/cadmium battery; nickel/iron battery; iron/oxygen battery and iron/air battery. (FI)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Three new rare earth metal-rich compounds, Gd_4NiTe_2, and Er_5M_2Te_2 (M=Ni, Co), were synthesized in direct reactions using R, R_3M, and R_2Te_3 (R=Gd, Er; M=Co, Ni) and single-crystal structures were determined. Gd_4NiTe_2 is orthorhombic and crystallizes in space group Pnma with four formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2)K are a=15.548(9), b=4.113(2), c=11.7521(15)A. Er_5Ni_2Te_2 and Er_5Co_2Te_2 are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with two formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2)K are a=3.934(1), b=14.811(4), c=14.709(4)A, and a=3.898(1), b=14.920(3), c=14.889(3)A, respectively. Metal-metal bonding correlations were analyzed using the empirical Pauling bond order concept.

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A rechargeable cell is disclosed which is characterized in the following manner. A positive electrode is formed from a manganese oxide electrode material. This manganese oxide electrode material contains a heavy metal selected from the group comprising lead, bismuth, and mixtures of lead and bismuth. The cell also contains a negative electrode of zinc. A separator is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. An alkaline electrolyte consisting essentially of an alcohol and an alkaline hydroxide is also contained in the rechargeable cell in contact with both the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A theoretical study of structural and electronic properties of GeC, SnC and GeSn is presented using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. In this approach, the generalized gradient approximation was used for the exchange-correlation potential. Results are given for lattice constant, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative in both zinc-blende and rocksalt structures. Band structure, density of states and band gap pressure coefficients in zinc-blende structure are also given. The results are compared with previous calculations and with experimental measurements.

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The electrolyte was brought into contact with air and potassium carbonate was measured with various contact time in order to check the defect of carbon dioxide in the air on zinc-air cell. The relationship between potassium carbonate concentration in electrolyte and battery capacity was also studied. The potassium carbonate concentration in the electrolyte. The rate of carbon dioxide absorption was mainly affected by the pore size of hydrophobic membrane. Our study showed that adapting the pore of hydrophobic membrane decreased the loss of cell discharge performance due to the presence of carbon dioxide or water vapor in the atmosphere. 7 refs., 12 figs., 1 tab.

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A small scale biomass metal contacting experiment was performed to screen the optimal plant species for biosorption and bioaccumulation of cadmium, zinc, nickel, lead, and copper. Experiments were also conducted to test the ability of the biomass to lower the metal concentrations below the US Environmental Protection Agency surface water discharge criteria. The minimum residual concentration was 0.1 mg/L for zinc, 0.004 mg/L for lead, and about 0.01 mg/L for cadmium, nickel, and lead. Results indicate that water milfoil can be used for bioremoval of metals.

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 ...

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A segmented focal plane detector for an Enge split-pole spectrograph has been developed for the study of breakup reactions at very low relative energies. It consists of a 61 cm long segmented position-sensitive parallel plate avalanche counter backed by a large Bragg curve detector. A segmented plastic scintillator is mounted behind the anode of the Bragg curve detector and is used for particle identification of low-ionizing particles. The dead space between the two sections of the focal plane detector is 2.5 mm. The intrinsic position resolution of the detector is 1 mm. The intrinsic energy resolution depends on the energy of the incident ion and can be as good as 0.55%. The nuclear charge and mass resolutions are 0.3 e and 0.3 u, respectively. (orig.).

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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, counting rate ...

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 detected by the two ...

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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

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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.

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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).

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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.

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The upgraded CDF II detector has collected first data during the initial operation of the Tevatron accelerator in Run II. The simulation of the CDF electromagnetic and hadronic central and upgraded plug (forward) calorimeter is based on the Gflash calorimeter parameterization package used within the GEANT based detector simulation of the Run II CDF detector. We present the results of tuning the central and plug calorimeter response to test beam data.

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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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)

The role of macroinvertebrates and diatoms as indicator for metal pollution was investigated by assessing both biota along a metal gradient in the Belgian river the Dommel. Macroinvertebrates and diatoms were sampled in summer and winter and physical-chemical characteristics of the water were measured at four different sample periods and related to sediment characteristics. Although metal concentrations, except cadmium, in the water nowhere exceeded water quality standards, high metal concentrations were measured in the sediment, indicating historical contamination of the Dommel. At the sites that were situated downstream of the pollution source, high levels of conductivity and chloride were measured in the water. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicated pH, phosphate and zinc as the significant environmental variables explaining each respectively 7.7%, 11.6% and 22.6% of the macroinvertebrate community composition. Two clusters could be separated, with Gammarus pulex, ...

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A zinc-air battery using zinc regeneration electrolysis with propanol oxidation as a counter electrode reaction is reported in this paper. It possesses functions of both zincate reduction and electrochemical preparation, showing the potential for increasing the electronic energy utilization. Charge/discharge tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal that when a nickel sheet plated with the high-H{sub 2}-overpotential metal, cadmium, was used as the negative substrate electrode, the dendritic formation and hydrogen evolution are suppressed effectively, and granular zinc deposits become larger but relatively dense with the increase of charge time. The performance of batteries is favorable even if the charge time is as long as 5 h at the current density of 20 mA cm{sup -2}. Better discharge performance is achieved using a 'cavity-opening' configuration for the discharge cell rather than ...

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Increased use of wetlands for habitat and water quality improvement emphasize the need for further study of abiotic-biotic interactions in these systems. This research examined contaminant assimilation within the water column of two newly created Colorado prairie wetlands (RMA3 and RMA4). To examine the influence of abiotic factors (e.g., alkalinity, suspended solids), ten chronic toxicity tests were performed from December 1991 through November 1993. In the first set of tests, Ceriodaphnia dubia were exposed to water from the two wetlands which was spiked with various concentrations of zinc. These tests suggested that water from RMA4 had higher contaminant assimilative capacity than water from RMA3. Preliminary analysis suggested suspended solids, pH, conductivity, and temperature were important factors affecting neonate production by C. dubia when exposed to zinc-spiked wetland water. To test the importance of suspended solids in contaminant ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

TAPP-3 and 4 reactors use large number of Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) for Neutronic lower measurement and control. To perform in-situ calibration of these detectors in select locations and to validate the reactor physics codes which predict flux at various points in the core, traveling in-core probes (TIP) are required. The TIP assembly consists of a miniature neutron sensitive detector. The detector is driven in and out of core using a mechanism which facilitates positioning of the detector anywhere inside a vertical tube (Central carrier tube of any of the six select Vertical Flux Units) in the core. TIP is driven through retractable feed mechanism for a stroke of 13 m. This paper describes the developmental efforts and the operational feedback of the retractable feed mechanism for the stroke of 13 m used at TAPP 3 and 4 reactor. (author)

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)

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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.)

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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 results obtained with ...

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...

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This report compares the performance characteristics of /sup 10/B-lined and fission-neutron detectors in gamma-ray fluxes typical of the fields to be encountered during nondestructive testing of irradiated light-water fuel assemblies stored in water. Using the optimum time constants for each of the /sup 10/B-lined detectors, the 0.25-in.-dia detector had a 5% loss in neutron count sensitivity at 7000 rad/h. Similarly, the 0.5-in.-dia detector had a 7% loss at 13,000 rad/h and the 1-in.-dia detector had a 5% loss in sensitivity at 1000 rad/h. Uranium-235 fission chambers were operated successfully in fields above 100,000 rad/h with no loss in neutron counting sensitivity. Shielding calculations were done to determine the appropriate shield thickness needed for a /sup 10/B-lined neutron detector to operate in a 50,000 rad/h field, typical of light-water-reactor ...

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The initiation and characteristics of mossy zinc electrodeposits have been investigated. Batteries with zinc electrodes are candidates for electric vehicle applications; however, this electrode is prone to form non-compact deposits that contribute to capacity loss and battery failure. Moss is deposited when the current density is far from the limiting current. This morphology first appears only after the bulk deposit is approximately 1 {mu}m thick. In this investigation, the effects of flow rate (Re=0--4000), current density (0--50 mA/cm{sup 2}), concentration of the electroactive species (0.25 and 0.5 M), and the concentration of supporting electrolyte (3, 6, and 12 M) on the initiation of moss were examined. The rotating concentric cylinder electrode was employed for most of the experiments; and a flow channel was used to study the development of morphology. After the experiment, the deposit was characterized using microscopic, x-ray ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nano-sized zinc oxide was synthesized and deposited onto cellulosic fibers using the sol-gel process at ambient temperature. The prepared materials were characterized using several techniques including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray diffraction studies of the ZnO-coated fiber indicate formation of the hexagonal crystal phase which was satisfactory crystallized on the fiber surface. The electron micrographs show formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles within 10-15 nm in size which have been homogeneously dispersed on the fiber surface. The prepared materials show significant photocatalytic self-cleaning activity, which was monitored by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photoactivity was studied upon measuring the photodegradation of methylene blue and eosin yellowish under UV-Vis irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main aims of the study were: 1) the evaluation of iron and zinc status in women of Lodz aged 18-45 years, 2) adaptation of the whole body counter to in vivo measurements absorption of iron given to the gastro-intestinal tract of volunteers and 3) in rat model estimation iron bioavailability from fortified wheat flour combined with products usually consumed in Poland. During five months investigations thirty seven women were examined each one twice in two months interval. Following variables were measured: iron and zinc in blood serum, in public and scalp hair and in food, taste acuity score, serum ferritin, hemoglobin, total iron binding capacity, red blood cells, mean corpuscular concentration and corpuscular volume. Prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficient anemia were assessed by two models in terms of the depression of serum ferritin and hemoglobin concentrations. 64 refs, 6 figs, 23 tabs.

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The use of concentrated solar energy for co-producing Zn and synthesis gas from Zn O and natural gas upgrades the calorific value of the initial reactants by 39% and, when compared to the traditional carbothermic reduction of Zn O, has the potential of reducing CO{sub 2} emissions by up to 78%. An economic assessment for an industrial thermochemical plant, 30 to 51 MW solar input, indicates that the cost of solar production of zinc ranges between 89-133 $/t (excluding the cost of Zn O feed and credit for pollution abatement), and thus might be competitive with conventional fossil-fuel-based processes at current fuel prices. The cost of solar H{sub 2}, produced by splitting water with zinc, is estimated to be in the range 0.10-0.14 $/kWh, and it is a favorable long term prospect once the cost of energy will account for the environmental externalities from fossil fuel burning such as the costs for CO{sub 2} mitigation and pollution abatement. ...

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A series of modifications which increased the capacity of Canadian Electrolytic Zinc's Valleyfield plant from 220,000 MT/year to 260,000 MT/year during the last decade is discussed, combined with an an overview of the plant's operations. The modifications included modernisation of the waste disposal methods and facilities, such as a new high-density sludge wastewater treatment process, a new process to remove selenium from weak acid solutions and the jarofix process. Roasting capacity also has been improved by recent investments in new cooling coils, rebricking, oxygen enrichment and process automation. In addition to increases in refining capacity, the improvements also enabled the company to minimize its impact on the environment and the community.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Polycrystalline ZnO doped with Mn (5 and 10at%) was prepared by the co-precipitation method. The effect of Mn doping on the photocatalytic, antibacterial activities and the influence of doping concentration on structural, optical properties of nanoparticles were studied. Structural and optical properties of the particles elucidated that the Mn2+ ions have substituted the Zn2+ ions without changing the Wurtzite structure of ZnO. The optical spectra showed a blue shift in the absorbance spectrum with increasing dopant concentration. The photocatalytic activities of ZnO powders were evaluated by measuring the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in water under the UV region. It was found that undoped ZnO bleaches MB much faster than manganese doped ZnO upon its exposure to the U...

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In the Carpathian Basin, significant percentage of watershed area and floodplains of rivers are utilised agriculturally. Several potential sources of poisonous metal pollution have been identified in these areas. Because of spills from some of them a few severe accidents have happened especially in the watershed area of Tisza River during the last decades. The motivation of our present work was to produce {sup 62,65}Zn and {sup 203}Pb radioisotopes because they can be used especially as tracers for studying the kinetics of uptake, transport and accumulation of zinc and lead by plants under different circumstances. (orig.)

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The reduction of oxygen was studied in 0.1 M KCl at 70 deg. C using the rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique on platinum and electrodeposited ZnO thin film electrodes deposited on platinum substrates. In the absence of Zn{sup 2+} ions in solution, a Tafel slope of 139 mV dec{sup -1} was obtained, a value close to that measured on bare platinum electrode (133 mV dec{sup -1}) and ascribed to the limitation of the reaction rate by the first electron transfer. The main difference between the noble metal and the oxide electrode was a shift of the curves towards more negative potentials. In the presence of Zn{sup 2+} ions, the current density decreased significantly and the Tafel slope was measured at 282 mV dec{sup -1} showing that the electrode was partially blocked by zinc oxide formation reaction intermediates.

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This paper reports the results of leaching experiments conducted with and without Thiobacillus ferroxidans at the same conditions in solution. The extent of leaching of ZnS with Bacteria is significantly higher than that without bacteria at high concentrations of ferrous ions. A porous layer of elemental sulfur is present on the surfaces of the chemically leached particles, which no sulfur is present on the surfaces of the bacterially leached particles. The analysis of the data using the shrinking-core model shows that the chemical leaching of ZnS is limited by the diffusion of ferrous ions through the sulfur product layer at high concentrations of ferrous ions. The analysis of the data shows that diffusion through the product layer does not limit the rate of dissolution when bacteria are present. This suggests that the action of T.ferroxidans in oxidizing the sulfur formed on the particle surface is to remove the barrier to diffusion by ferrous ions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A theoretical study of electron and positron band structures of zinc-blende AlN and InN and their alloy Al_0_._5In_0_._5N is presented using the first-principles full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method. Equilibrium lattices constants are determined from the total-energy minimization method. The results are compared with previous calculations and with experimental measurement. Electron and positron charge densities are computed as function of position in the unit cell. Detailed plots of distributions are along the direction. The ionicity factors are calculated by means of three different approaches. The calculated results of the positron charge density reflect the high insight for the annihilation effect.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We report progress in an effort to develop and demonstrate a refuelable zinc/air battery for fleet electric vehicle applications. A refuelable module consisting of twelve bipolar cells with internal flow system has been refueled at rates of nearly 4 cells per minute refueling time of 10 minutes for a 15 kW, 55 kWh battery. The module is refueled by entrainment of 0.5-mm particles in rapidly flowing electrolyte, which delivers the particles into hoppers above each cell in a parallel-flow hydraulic circuit. The concept of user-recovery is presented as an alternative to centralized service infrastructure during market entry.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Co-ordinated Research Programme (CRP) on ''Isotope-Aided Studies on the Bioavailability of Iron and Zinc from Human Diets'' was initiated by the IAEA in 1990, and presently encompasses participating institutes in 11 countries. A summary of the discussions that took place during thr second Research Co-ordination Meeting held in Hyderabad, India, between 16-20 November 1992, is given in this report together with 12 working papers (progress reports) presented by individual participants. A separate abstract was prepared for each of these papers. Refs, figs and tabs.

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The cyclic voltammetry indicated that the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) proceeded by the four-electron pathway mechanism on larger Ag particles (174 nm), and that the ORR proceeded by the four-electron pathway and the two-electron pathway mechanisms on finer Ag particles (4.1 nm), simultaneously. The kinetics towards ORR was measured at a rotating disk electrode (RDE) with Ag/C electrode. The number of exchanged electrons for the ORR was found to be close to four on larger Ag particles (174 nm) and close to three on finer Ag particles (4.1 nm). The zinc-air battery with Ag/C catalysts (25.9 nm) was fabricated and examined. (author)

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Highly water-repellent surfaces have been prepared from arrayed nanowires of zinc oxide (ZnO) by a treatment with stearic acid. The layers are electrochemically deposited on a nanocrystalline seed layer from an oxygenated aqueous zinc chloride solution. An advancing contact angle (CA) as high as 176{sup 0} is obtained with a very small hysteresis {approx}1{sup 0}. These results, supplemented by infrared spectroscopy, show that the stearic acid forms a very well-packed self-assembled monolayer. The CA measurements show a very good stability of the treated surface even when exposed to harsh conditions or long-term ambient illumination.

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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 exchange rate. It is demonstrated that with ...

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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 Peak-to-FERA (PTF) ...

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 electrical properties ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The separation, concentration, and determination of trace elements in iron ores are described. After the sample has been dissolved, the iron is separated by liquid-liquid extraction with a liquid cation-exchanger, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid. The trace elements aluminium, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, potassium, sodium, vanadium, and zinc are determined in the aqueous phase by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry.

Science.gov (United States)

In this study, six groups of rats were fed as follows: Groups 1 and 2 were fed formulated diets supplemented with zinc or without zinc respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were fed formulated diets supplemented with zinc plus phytic acid extracted from sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) or commercial phytic acid respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were fed formulated diets supplemented with phytic acid extract from sweet potato or commercial phytic acid respectively. The animals were fed for three weeks and then sacrificed The activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as transaminases in the liver were determined. Blood glucose level was also assessed. Phytic acid extract consumption from sweet potato and commercial phytic acid plus zinc supplement lowered blood glucose levels. There was no significant change in the activity of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase among the groups. Similarly, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An evaluation was made of the effectiveness of the action of reagents used for cleaning cyan-containing waste water for conditioning of the overflow of copper concentrate thickners of the Belousovskiy enrichment before sorption extraction of gold by activated charcoal. It was established that conditioning of the overflow by iron sulfates (II), copper and zinc diminshes, and by hypochlorite increases the capacitance of the activated charcoal for gold.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Thlaspi caerulescens is a heavy metal hyperaccumulator plant species that is able to accumulate extremely high levels of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in its shoots (30,000 μg...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

A number of alloys of zirconium have been investigated as part of a program aimed at improving the high-temperature tensile and creep strength of zirconium. These alloys include aluminum, beryllium, lead, magnesium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, and zinc, binary and ternary alloys. The data indicate that aluminum, lead, molybdenum niobium, tin, titanium, tungsten, and vanadium can be used successfully to harden zirconium, and that aluminum, tin, titanium, and vanadium are particularly effective in maintaining the strength of zirconium at elevated temperatures.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new type of zinc electrode is matched with new bifunctional air electrodes to produce a zinc-air battery of a novel design. The zinc electrode is a flow-thru type made from copper foam-metal. The air electrode uses corrosion resistant carbon black as a high area support for a highly dispersed spinel oxide electrocatalyst. The battery design employs flowing electrolyte, 12 M KOH saturated or supersaturated with zincate. Single cells as large as 200 cm{sup 2} (1/5 EV design scale) having a capacity of 20 AH have been tested with C/4--C/16 constant current cycling. More extensive and realistic life cycle testing was done with 2 Ah cells, including the Simplified Federal Urban Driving Schedule (SFUDS) cycle. This testing has confirmed that these cells can provide the necessary transient power response required for urban EV applications. The cells achieved an average of 72 SFUDS repetitions (7.2 hrs) per discharge cycle, more ...

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)

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)

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)

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)

An embodiment of a mercury-free fluorescent lamp combines a low pressure rare gas discharges with a phosphor having a quantum efficiency grater than one. The choice of the rare gas depends on a number of factors, one of which is the resonance transition energy. Less demand is placed the quantum efficiency of the phosphor for a lower energy resonance photon. Xenon has the lowest energy resonance transition of the stable rare gases at 8.5 eV (147 nm) and thus is a good candidate to study. The usefulness of a xenon-based discharge depends on the radiant emittance of the discharge at the resonance wavelength of 147 nm. The radiant emittance from a low pressure xenon positive column discharge is measured using two independent techniques. The first relies on the measurement of the resonance level density using absorption techniques. The effective decay rate of the resonance level is calculated using radiation trapping theory. The product of this density and trapped decay rate yields the ...

Science.gov (United States)

Jan 13, 2011 ... This 360-degree mosaic of images from the navigation camera on ... The Radiation Assessment Detector, shown prior to its September 2010 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The intermediate silicon layers detector (ISL) was proposed as a part of the upgraded CDF detector at the RUN-II of the Tevatron mean value of pp collider at Fermilab, scheduled to start in year 2000. The ISL is a large-radius (20-30 cm) silicon tracker with a total active area of about 3.5 m. Located in the region between the silicon vertex detector and the central outer tracker, the ISL will allow tracking in the forward region and significantly improve it in the central area. Together with the SVX II the ISL forms a standalone, 3D silicon tracker. The challenge is to build a low-cost device which provides precise 3 D tracking in a approximately equal to 2 m long area with a minimal amount of material for the supporting structure. The conceptual design and the status of the project are reviewed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report discusses the experimental setup of experiment 814 at Brookhaven AGS. This experiment involves the collision of silicon ions with target nuclei. The detector systems are discussed primarily. (LSP)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The properties of individual radioactive particles present in a sample, such as a swipe, are more interesting than bulk properties of the sample. The present work focuses on instrumentation that provides position-sensitive spectral information non-destructively from the sample. The experimental part of the work was realized using a device called PANDA (Particles And Non-Destructive Analysis). The detector setup used in the study contains a broad-energy HPGe gamma-ray detector and a position-sensitive alpha detector. Both detectors are connected to a time-stamping event-mode data acquisition system. The method is shown to locate particles with sub-millimetre accuracy and distinguish the interesting particles from non-interesting ones. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Properties of photoconductive ultraviolet detectors fabricated on ZnO films were presented. Highly c-axis oriented ZnO films were grown on glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Ultraviolet photodetectors were fabricated based on metal-semiconductor-metal planar structures. The photoresponsivity and the quantum efficiency are much higher in the ultraviolet range than in the visible range, and the peak values are around 360nm. Photocurrent transients show that the detector has a large photocurrent with the peak value of 2.8mA, and a slow photoresponse with a rise time of 5min and a decay time of 7min. The response curve of the detector is fitted well with exponential curve. The large photocurrent should result from the both effects of the accumulation of conduction electrons and the d...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 developed method is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reducing count losses and pile-up pulse effects in quantitative and qualitative analysis is necessary for accuracy of analysis. Therefore, the optimum peaking time for particular detector systems is important. For this purpose, pure Se and Zn elements were excited by 59.5 keV ?-rays from a 50 mCi 241Am annular radioactive source in this study. The characteristic x-rays emitted from pure Se and Zn elements were detected by using an ultra low energy Ge (Ultra-LEGe) detector connecting Tennelec TC 244 spectroscopy amplifier at different peaking time modes. Overall pulse widths were determined by HM 203-7 oscilloscope connecting amplifier. The proper peaking time for ultra low energy germanium detector (Ultra-LEGe) is determined about 4 ?s.

CERN Document Server

In this note we describe a support structure which will hold detector systems (ITS, TPC, TOF) inside the large solenoid. An overall view of ALICE detector is shown on Fig.1. The support structure consists of 2 rings which fixed to an iron yoke and spokes which connect TPC and TOF to these rings. The ITS is connected by spokes to TPC end caps. Between coils there are 7cm spacings which will allow to fix rings to the yoke this support structure will allow to assemble ITS, TPC and TOF together (Fig.2) somewhere on the surface and then transport to the pit and install in the magnet. Two rings (1) are connected with four bars (2). On the bottom bars there are rolls (3) which will allow smoothly insert detectors into the magnet. Spokes (4) are uniformly distributed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Polish 2001 p. 105 Poland Bogacz, J. Budzanowski, M. Mazur, J. Swakon,

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 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).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Disclosed herein is a radiation detector providing for the in situ automatic sampling of fluids containing substances emitting radiation, especially Cerenkov radiation. The detector permits sampling within well casings and is self-purging such that no additional provisions must be established for the storage and disposal of contaminated fluids.

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)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We describe the continued development of a portable, real-time neutron spectrometer. The spectrometer is composed of two distinct detector systems: a Helium 3 gas filled proportional counter for the lower neutron energy interval between 20 KeV and 2 MeV and a bulk silicon solid state detector for the higher energy interval between 2 MeV and 500 MeV. Modeling and experimental results with mono-energetic neutron beams are reported.

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.

CERN Document Server

We present the first results from tests of a MICROMEGAS detector manufactured using the so-called "bulk" technology and having a resistive cathode mesh instead of the conventional metallic one. This detector operates as usual MICROMEGAS, but in the case of sparks, which may appear at high gas gains, the resistive mesh reduces their current and makes the sparks harmless. This approach could be complementary to the ongoing efforts of various groups to develop spark-protected MICROMEGAS with resistive anode planes.

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).

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)

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)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An imaging detector for {gamma}-rays ({approx equal}1 MeV) based on minicell MWPCs with converters and a position resolution of {Delta}x=0.5 mm has been developed and tested. Very high rate capability (>10{sup 8}/cm{sup 2} s) and a special readout for suppression of scattered radiation are implemented allowing to enhance the measured contrast. The relevant physical processes are discussed and first pictures are presented. (orig.).

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 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lanthanum halide (LaBr_3:Ce) scintillators offer significantly better resolution (< 3% at 662 keV) relative to NaI(Tl) and have recently become commercially available in sizes large enough for the handheld, Radio-Isotope Identification Device (RIID) market. Drawbacks to lanthanum halide detectors, however, include internal radioactivity contributing to spectral counts, and a low-energy response which can cause detector resolution to be worse than that of NaI(Tl) below 100 keV. To study the potential of this new material for RIIDs we performed a series of measurements comparing a 1.5 x 1.5-inch LaBr_3:Ce detector with an Exploranium GR-135 RIID, which contains a 1.5 x 2.2-inch NaI(Tl) detector. Measurements were taken for short timeframes, as typifies RIID usage. Measurements included examples of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), typically found in cargo, and special nuclear materials. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In a recent publication [I. Galanakis, K. Ozdog-tilde an, E. Sasiog-tilde lu, B. Aktas, Phys. Rev. B 74 (2006) 140408(R)] we have shown that in the case of CrAs and related transition-metal chalcogenides and pnictides, crystallizing in the zinc-blende structure, the excess of the transition-metal atoms leads to half-metallic ferrimagnetism. The latter property is crucial for spintronic applications with respect to ferromagnets due to the lower stray fields created by these materials. We extend this study to cover the case where the transition-metal atoms sitting at antisites are not identical to the ones in the perfect sites. In Cr-based compounds, the creation of Mn antisites keeps the half-metallic ferrimagnetic character produced also by the Cr antisites. In the case of VAs, Cr and Mn antisites keep the half-metallic character of VAs (contrary to V antisites) due to the larger exchange splitting exhibited by these atoms.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The reduction of CO{sub 2} concentration in a gas stream containing 500ppm of CO{sub 2} by a technique combining chemical absorption with Higee (high gravity) was investigated in this study. Using a 2.0L aqueous amine-based solution to treat the feed gas with a flow rate which varied from 12.9 to 20.6Lmin{sup -1}, piperazine (PZ) was found to be more effective than 2-(2-aminoethylamino) ethanol (AEEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA) for reducing the CO{sub 2} concentration to a level below 20ppm. The effects of temperature, rotating speed, amine solution flow rate, and gas flow rate on the removal efficiency of CO{sub 2} were systematically examined. The results indicated that the proposed compact device could effectively reduce CO{sub 2} to a level below 20ppm, as required by a zinc/air battery, for a long period of time using PZ and its mixture with AEEA and MEA as the absorbents. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The photon rupture method, by which oxide film and metal are removed by focused pulsed Nd-YAG laser beam irradiation, was applied to form artificial micro-pits in Zn-5 mass% Al alloy-coated steel. The zinc alloy-coated layer was removed by pulsed laser irradiation treatment for about one second in a neutral buffer solution with NaCl. The rest potential transient with the laser treatment was measured. In the early stage of the laser treatment the rest potential of zinc alloy-coated steel changed to the negative direction immediately after every irradiation of a laser pulse and then returned to the previous value. However, after the steel substrate was exposed to the solution, the rest potential moved to the positive direction immediately after every irradiation of a laser pulse and then returned to the previous value. The amplitude and duration of the potential change after the laser irradiation increased with repetition of laser irradiation, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electrochemical method has been used to deposit zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films from aqueous zinc nitrate solution at 80 deg. C onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates. ZnO thin films were grown between - 0.900 and - 1.025 V vs Ag/AgCl as established by voltammogram. Characterisation of ZnO films was carried out for both as-deposited and annealed films in order to study the effect of annealing. Structural analysis of the ZnO films was performed using X-ray diffraction, which showed polycrystalline films of hexagonal phase with (002) preferential orientation. Atomic force microscopy was used to study the surface morphology. Optical studies identified the bandgap to be {approx} 3.20 eV and refractive index to 2.35. The photoelectrochemical cell signal indicated that the films had n-type electrical conductivity and current-voltage measurements showed the glass/FTO/ZnO/Au devices exhibit rectifying properties. The thickness of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Apparatus and methods for generating heat and electricity from the consumption of a variety of aluminum products comprise: (A) a reaction chamber containing an aqueous electrolyte solution and adapted for introduction therein of aluminum pieces of various shapes and sizes up to a certain maximum predetermined size and for effecting a chemical reaction between said aqueous electrolyte and said aluminum pieces yielding aluminum hydroxide and an intermediate reactant; (B) means for feeding said aluminum pieces into said reaction chamber in small quantities upon demand; (C) means for removing the heat generated in said chamber as a result of said reaction; (D) means for removing said aluminum hydroxide reaction product; and (E) means for oxidizing said intermediate reactant in an electrochemical cell, thereby generating electrical energy. The intermediate reactant is preferably hydrogen or zinc. The latter may be used in a slurry type zinc/air ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Apparent molar volumes V{sub phi} and apparent molar heat capacities C{sub p,phi} were determined for aqueous solutions of nickel(II) nitrate, copper(II) nitrate, and zinc(II) nitrate at molalities m=(0.01 to 0.5) mol {center_dot} kg{sup -1}, and at the pressure p=0.35 MPa. Solution densities obtained using a vibrating-tube densimeter at T=(278.15 to 368.15) K were used to calculate V{sub phi} values. Heat capacity measurements obtained with a twin fixed-cell, differential-output, power-compensating, temperature-scanning calorimeter at T=(278.15 to 393.15) K were used to calculate values of C{sub p,phi}. Our results were then fitted to functions of m and T and compared to literature values.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A total of 272 tap water samples were collected from 68 homes throughout the city of Tehran. Analysis for cadmium, zinc, lead, copper, arsenic, iron and manganese showed some accumulation of these metals in household piping overnight. However, the concentration of all metals was in the parts per billion (ug/l) range and well below international standards. Heavy metals in Tehran's drinking water therefore, do not pose a significant acute health hazard. 19 references, 2 tables.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A few metal complexes of isatin-isonicotinoylhydrazone with Ni(II), Cr(III), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) have been prepared and characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, infrared and electronic spectra as well as "1H NMR spectra, conductivity and magnetic measurements. In view of the results obtained, it has been found that two molecules of isatin-isonicotinoylhydrazone are chelated to the central metal ion as bis-uninegative ONO tridentate ligand forming non-electrolytic octahedral metal complexes. (author)