Derenzo, Stephen | Search NASA

DOE OSTI2023

Triple-mode detector for fast neutrons, slow neutrons, and gamma ray spectroscopy

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to neutron detection and gamma ray detection. In one aspect, a detector comprises a scintillator structure that comprises an organic scintillator and an inorganic scintillator. The organic scintillator is in the form of one or more elements of a specified length. The inorganic scintillator is in the form of one or more elements of the specified length. First ends of the one or more organic scintillator elements and first ends of the one or more inorganic scintillator elements define a first surface. Second ends of the one or more organic scintillator elements and second ends of the one or more inorganic scintillator elements define a second surface.

Derenzo, Stephen↗

DOE OSTI2023

Large active-area superconducting microwire detector array with single-photon sensitivity in the near-infrared

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) are the highest-performing technology for time-resolved single-photon counting from the UV to the near-infrared. The recent discovery of single-photon sensitivity in micrometer-scale superconducting wires is a promising pathway to explore for large active area devices with application to dark matter searches and fundamental physics experiments. We present 8-pixel $1 mm^2$ superconducting microwire single photon detectors (SMSPDs) with $1\,\mathrm{\mu m}$-wide wires fabricated from WSi and MoSi films of various stoichiometries using electron-beam and optical lithography. Devices made from all materials and fabrication techniques show saturated internal detection efficiency at 1064 nm in at least one pixel, and the best performing device made from silicon-rich WSi shows single-photon sensitivity in all 8 pixels and saturated internal detection efficiency in 6/8 pixels. This detector is the largest reported active-area SMSPD or SNSPD with near-IR sensitivity published to date, and the first report of an SMSPD array. By further optimizing the photolithography techniques presented in this work, a viable pathway exists to realize larger devices with $cm^2$-scale active area and beyond.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2021

High-efficiency High-energy Photon Radiography Panels [Slides]

Demonstrate a developmental path towards production of efficient radiography panel for high energy radiography while keeping the production cost reasonable. Fulfill some needs identified in the research thrust GOR 2/K/b "Diagnostics systems".

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗