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At least 253 records · Page 14

Improved field assessments of chemicals and explosives using high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy with a tagged neutron interrogation system

A field-portable tagged neutron interrogation system is being developed for detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents by prompt γ-ray neutron activation analysis. The system combines an associated particle imaging deuterium-tritium neutron generator with a high-purity germanium γ-ray detector. Fine spatial resolution neutron and α detectors enable precise mapping of characteristic γ-ray emission distributions onto high-clarity neutron radiographic images. A narrow coincidence gate associated with each tagged neutron ensures a large signal-to-background ratio, thus significantly improving sensitivity to the chemical compositions of the items being assessed. Recent experimental results recorded from test objects involving mock explosives and other chemicals are presented.

Bucher, Brian [Idaho National Laboratory (INL)]↗

Investigation of sCVD diamond detectors for low energy heavy-ion reactions

Here the performance characteristics of single-crystalline diamond detectors at varying rates of heavy-ions below 50 MeV/u have been investigated. When tested with a 228 Th source, the energy resolution of these detectors is better than 1.0% FWHM for 8.8 MeV α-particles. With a slight reduction in the energy resolution, simultaneous timing resolution of 314 ps has been achieved. Isotopic resolution has been achieved up to magnesium using a diamond telescope at low rates with a 20 MeV/u 20 Ne + 12 C reaction. At moderate rates of direct 7.5 MeV/u 78 Kr, polarization effects are observed, though this effect can be diminished by increasing the applied voltage on the detector up to a limit. After an accumulated dose of 6.9 × 10 8 direct 78 Kr particles transmitting through the detector, a degradation in the energy resolution of the 8.8 MeV peak from 1.6% to 5.3% is observed, indicating that permanent damage has been done to the detector.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Improved field assessments of chemicals and explosives using high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy with a tagged neutron interrogation system

A fi eld-portable tagged neutron interrogation system is being developed for detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents by prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis. The system combines an associated particle imaging deuterium-tritium neutron generator with a high-purity germanium gamma-ray detector. Fine spatial resolution neutron and alpha detectors enable precise mapping of characteristic gamma-ray emission distributions onto high-clarity neutron radiographic images. A narrow coincidence gate associated with each tagged neutron ensures a large signal-to-background ratio, thus signifi cantly improving sensitivity to the chemical compositions of the items being assessed. Recent experimental results recorded from test objects involving mock explosives and other chemicals are presented.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

Improved field assessments of chemicals and explosives using high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy with a tagged neutron interrogation system

A fi eld-portable tagged neutron interrogation system is being developed for detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents by prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis. The system combines an associated particle imaging deuterium-tritium neutron generator with a high-purity germanium gamma-ray detector. Fine spatial resolution neutron and alpha detectors enable precise mapping of characteristic gamma-ray emission distributions onto high-clarity neutron radiographic images. A narrow coincidence gate associated with each tagged neutron ensures a large signal-to-background ratio, thus signifi cantly improving sensitivity to the chemical compositions of the items being assessed. Recent experimental results recorded from test objects involving mock explosives and other chemicals are presented.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

Hybrid X-ray telescope systems

It has been known for some time that glancing incidence X-ray optics have sharply peaked point response functions. The spatial resolution of Wolter X-ray telescope systems is frequently limited by the performance characteristics of the X-ray detector rather than by the optics, even when high resolution detectors such as photographic emulsions are used. This problem becomes even more severe when it is desirable to take advantage of the high sensitivity and broad wavelength response afforded by modern solid state detectors such as charge coupled devices or multi-anode microchannel arrays. Results of theoretical investigations of methods for increasing the telescope plate scale by the use of glancing incidence hyperboloid/ellipsoid X-ray microscope optics and normal incidence contoured layered synthetic microstructure optics for coupling the Wolter mirrors to the detector are reported. The relative merits of the different hybrid X-ray telescope systems which result will be discussed. Considerations will be made concerning applications of these systems to high resolution imagery and spectroscopy of astronomical X-ray/XUV sources.

Shealy, David L.↗

Improved Localization Precision and Angular Resolution of a Cylindrical, Time-Encoded Imaging System From Adaptive Detector Movements

To the first order, the localization precision and angular resolution of a cylindrical, time-encoded imaging (c-TEI) system is governed by the geometry of the system. Improving either measure requires increasing the mask radius or decreasing the detector diameter, both of which are undesirable. Here, we propose an alternative option of repositioning the detector within the mask to increase the detector-to-mask distance in the direction of a source, thereby improving the localization precision and angular resolution in that direction. Since the detector-to-mask distance only increases for a small portion of the field of view (FOV), we propose implementing adaptive imaging where one leverages data collected during the measurement to optimize the system configuration. This article utilizes both simulations and experiments to set upper bounds on the potential gain from adaptive detector movements for one and two sources in the FOV. When only one source is present, adaptive detector movements can improve the localization precision and angular resolution by 20% for a source at 90 cm and by 32% for a far-field source. When two sources are present, adaptive detector movements can improve localization precision and angular resolution by up to 50% for sources that are ~10° apart (90 cm from the system). We experimentally verify these results through maximum likelihood estimation of the source position(s) and image reconstruction of point sources that are close together. As a demonstration of an adaptive imaging algorithm, we image a complex arrangement of special nuclear material at the Zero Power Physics Reactor facility at Idaho National Laboratory.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

The Timepix4 analog front-end design: Lessons learnt on fundamental limits to noise and time resolution in highly segmented hybrid pixel detectors

This manuscript describes the optimization of the front-end readout electronics for high granularity hybrid pixel detectors. The theoretical study aims at minimizing the noise and jitter. The model presented here is validated with both circuit post layout simulations and measurements on the Timepix4 Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The analog front-end circuit and the procedure to optimize the dimensions of the main transistors are described with detail. The Timepix4 is the most recent ASIC designed in the framework of the Medipix4 Collaboration. It was manufactured in 65nm CMOS process, and consists of a four side buttable matrix of 448 × 512 pixels with 55µm pitch. The analog front-end has a gain of ~36mV/ke - when configured in High Gain Mode, and ~20mV/ke - when configured in Low Gain Mode. The Equivalent Noise Charge (ENC) is ~68e - rms and ~80e - rms in High Gain Mode and in Low Gain Mode respectively. In event driven mode the incoming hits can be time stamped within a ~ 200ps time bin and the chip can deal with a maximum flux of ~ 3.6MHzmm –2 s –1 . In photon counting mode, the chip can deal with up to ~ 5GHzmm –2 s –1 . The routine designed to optimize the Timepix4 front-end is then used to analyze the performance limits in terms of jitter and noise for Charge Sensitive Amplifiers in pixel detectors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Magnetic Microcalorimeter Gamma Detectors with Ultra-High Energy Resolution. Final Report

The goal of this project was to build a commercially viable metallic microcalorimeter (MMC) g-spectrometer with an ultra-high energy resolution <50 eV for accurate non-destructive assay (NDA) of nuclear materials. Improved NDA simplifies and accelerates safeguards analyses in the nuclear fuel cycle and enhances capabilities to detect the diversion of nuclear materials for illicit purposes. High-resolution MMC g-spectrometers can also improve the accuracy of nuclear data that NDA is based on.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Magnetic Microcalorimeter Gamma Detectors with Ultra-High Energy Resolution - (Final Report)

The goal of this project was to build a commercially viable magnetic microcalorimeter (MMC) γ-spectrometer with an ultra-high energy resolution <50 eV for accurate non-destructive assay (NDA) of nuclear materials. Improved NDA simplifies and accelerates safeguards analyses in the nuclear fuel cycle and enhances capabilities to detect the diversion of nuclear materials for illicit purposes. High-resolution MMC γ-spectrometers can also improve the accuracy of nuclear data that NDA is based on.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Magnetic Microcalorimeter Gamma Detectors with Ultra-High Energy Resolution (FY2021 Q2 Report)

For a follow-up project, we are currently funded by NA-241 to build a decay energy spectrometer based on the MMC technology developed in this LCP. The IAEA is specifically interested in accurate isotope analysis of small particles that decay energy (Q) spectroscopy is well-suited for. We have established an SP-1 collaboration with the IAEA that is expected to continue beyond FY20.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Composition of faint comets

The study uses an emission line, differential imaging camera built by the Science Operations Branch. This instrument allows photometric data to be obtained over a large area of a comet in a large number of resolution elements. The detector is a 100x100 Reticon array which with interchangeable optics can give resolutions from 2" to 30" over a field of 1' to 15'. The camera through its controlling computer can simultaneously take images in on-line and continuum filters and through computer subtraction and calibration present a photometric image of the comet produced by only the emission of the molecule under study. Initial work has shown two significant problems. First the auxiliary equipment of the telescope has not allowed the unambiguous location of faint comets so that systematic observations could be made, and secondly initial data has not shown much molecular emission from the faint comets which were located. Work last year on a software and hardware display system and this year on additional guide motors on the 36-inch telescope has allowed the differential camera to act as its own finder and guide scope. Comet IRAS was observed in C2 and CO+, as well as an occultation by the comet of SAO029103. The perodic comet Giacobini-Zinner was also observed in C2.

Brown, L. W.↗

Observing soft X-ray line emission from the interstellar medium with X-ray calorimeter on a sounding rocket

For an X-ray calorimeter working at 0.1 K, the energy resolution ideally can be as good as one eV for a practical detector. A detector with a resolution of 17 eV FWHM at 6 keV has been constructed. It is expected that this can be improved by a factor of two or more. With X-ray calorimeters flown on a sounding rocket, it should be possible to observe soft X-ray line emission from the interstellar medium over the energy range 0.07 to 1 keV. Here, a preliminary design for an X-ray calorimeter rocket experiment and the spectrum which might be observed from an equilibrium plasma are presented. For later X-ray calorimeter sounding rocket experiments, it is planned to add an aluminum foil mirror with collecting area of about 400 sq cm to observe line features from bright supernova remnants.

Zhang, J.↗

Energy Dispersive Spectrometry and Quantitative Analysis Short Course. Introduction to X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectrometry and Quantitative Analysis

This course will cover practical applications of the energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to x-ray microanalysis. Topics covered will include detector technology, advances in pulse processing, resolution and performance monitoring, detector modeling, peak deconvolution and fitting, qualitative and quantitative analysis, compositional mapping, and standards. An emphasis will be placed on use of the EDS for quantitative analysis, with discussion of typical problems encountered in the analysis of a wide range of materials and sample geometries.

Carpenter, Paul↗

High-resolution imaging gamma-ray spectroscopy with externally segmented germanium detectors

Externally segmented germanium detectors promise a breakthrough in gamma-ray imaging capabilities while retaining the superb energy resolution of germanium spectrometers. An angular resolution of 0.2 deg becomes practical by combining position-sensitive germanium detectors having a segment thickness of a few millimeters with a one-dimensional coded aperture located about a meter from the detectors. Correspondingly higher angular resolutions are possible with larger separations between the detectors and the coded aperture. Two-dimensional images can be obtained by rotating the instrument. Although the basic concept is similar to optical or X-ray coded-aperture imaging techniques, several complicating effects arise because of the penetrating nature of gamma rays. The complications include partial transmission through the coded aperture elements, Compton scattering in the germanium detectors, and high background count rates. Extensive electron-photon Monte Carlo modeling of a realistic detector/coded-aperture/collimator system has been performed. Results show that these complicating effects can be characterized and accounted for with no significant loss in instrument sensitivity.

Callas, J. L.↗

Determination of jet calibration and energy resolution in proton–proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 8~\hbox {TeV}$ using the ATLAS detector

The jet energy scale, jet energy resolution, and their systematic uncertainties are measured for jets reconstructed with the ATLAS detector in 2012 using proton–proton data produced at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 20fb -1 . Jets are reconstructed from clusters of energy depositions in the ATLAS calorimeters using the anti-k t algorithm. A jet calibration scheme is applied in multiple steps, each addressing specific effects including mitigation of contributions from additional proton–proton collisions, loss of energy in dead material, calorimeter non-compensation, angular biases and other global jet effects. The final calibration step uses several in situ techniques and corrects for residual effects not captured by the initial calibration. Furthermore, these analyses measure both the jet energy scale and resolution by exploiting the transverse momentum balance in γ + jet, Z + jet, dijet, and multijet events. A statistical combination of these measurements is performed. In the central detector region, the derived calibration has a precision better than 1% for jets with transverse momentum 150 GeV < p T < 1500 GeV, and the relative energy resolution is (8.4 ± 0.6)% for p T =100 GeV and (23 ± 2)% for p T =20 GeV. The calibration scheme for jets with radius parameter R = 1.0, for which jets receive a dedicated calibration of the jet mass, is also discussed.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗