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At least 37 records · Page 2

High event rate analysis technique for the dual-axis duo-lateral position-sensitive silicon detectors of FAUST

The dual-axis duo-lateral (DADL) position-sensitive silicon detector was developed to obtain precise position and energy information for detected charged particles. The Forward Array Using Silicon Technology (FAUST) is currently equipped with 68 DADL detectors backed by CsI(Tl) scintillators for the study of charged particle correlations in heavy-ion collisions where precise position and energy information is essential. When conventional signal processing electronics were used for the DADL detectors, a position dependence of the measured energy as well as distortions in the calculated particle positions were observed. In previous work, waveforms from the detector after preamplification were studied to better understand the features that give rise to these distortions; therein, a waveform analysis technique was developed to improve the energy resolution and linearity in position reconstruction. However, the reading and writing of waveforms for an entire detector array limits data collection rates and adds significant burden in data storage and analysis speed. In this work, the integrators of a Struck SIS3316 ADC were utilized to process 228 Th source data to develop and optimize a new analysis method that captures the benefits of the waveform analysis technique while circumventing the waveform writing requirement. This integrator method – capable of 59 keV (FWHM) energy resolution – was used in the collection of 35 MeV/nucleon 28 Si + 12 C collision data using FAUST to investigate exotic decays of highly excited highly deformed nuclei. In this data, a position resolution of 0.4 mm (FWHM) was obtained for 25 MeV α-particles; for α-particles near this energy that originate from 8 Be ground state decays, a 8 Be ground state width of 30 keV (FWHM) was obtained. The impact of the energy-dependent DADL position resolution emergent from electronic noise on the quality of excited state measurement was modeled and compared to the experimental data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Position-sensitive CdTe detector using improved crystal growth method

The feasibility of developing a position-sensitive CdTe detector array for astronomical observations in the hard X-ray, soft gamma ray region is demonstrated. In principle, it was possible to improve the resolution capability for imaging measurements in this region by orders of magnitude over what is now possible through the use of CdTe detector arrays. The objective was to show that CdTe crystals of the quality, size and uniformity required for this application can be obtained with a new high pressure growth technique. The approach was to fabricate, characterize and analyze a 100 element square array and several single-element detectors using crystals from the new growth process. Results show that detectors fabricated from transversely sliced, 7 cm diameter wafers of CdTe exhibit efficient counting capability and a high degree of uniformity over their entire areas. A 100 element square array of 1 sq mm detectors was fabricated and operated.

Source record↗

: Small Animal SPECT/CT System Based on Position-Sensitive Semiconductor Detectors

We developed a SPECT/CT system for small-animal imaging utilizing a mechanically cooled, position-sensitive germanium detector for the SPECT camera. The detector offers better energy resolution than any other detector previously used for SPECT and demonstrates dual-isotope imaging capabilities superior to that of current commercial small-animal SPECT systems. We also explored a unique SPECT camera configuration consisting of a silicon detector and germanium detector stacked one behind the other and located behind a multi-pinhole collimator. This scheme is intended for imaging iodine-123 radiotracer distributions, with the ~30 keV x-ray emissions detected in the silicon detector and the 159 keV gamma-ray emissions passing through the silicon and detected in the germanium detector. Image reconstruction methods for combining this multi-energy, multi-magnification data were developed and it was shown that inclusion of the silicon data reduced artifacts in comparison to the germanium data alone.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

High-resolution imaging X-ray detector

The paper describes an X-ray detector using microchannel plates as a photocathode surface and imaging photoelectron multiplier, and a crossed wire grid as a two-dimensional position-sensitive detector. The position resolution is 10 microns. The crossed wire grid consists of 100-micron-diam wires on 200-micron centers. Position sensing is accomplished by electronic interpolation to 1/20 of the wire spacing. The quantum efficiency of the microchannel plates varies from 29% at 0.28 keV to 5% at 3 keV. This detector will provide second-of-arc X-ray imaging in the focal plane of the 342.9-cm focal length grazing-incidence telescope being prepared for the HEAO-B observatory. By addition of suitable photocathodes, it can be used for single-photon imaging light detection in the UV, visible, and near-IR-ranges. In all cases, it gives a very low dark counting rate, allows timing of individual events to 1 microsec or less, and can handle counting rates up to 10,000 per sec.

Kellogg, E.↗

Applications of principal component analysis for energy reconstruction in position-sensitive semiconductor detectors

We report semiconductor detectors with pixelated anodes offer a desirable combination of position sensitivity and energy resolution that are suitable for numerous applications in gamma-ray detection and imaging. Pixelization of electrodes also entails a non-uniform amplitude response as a function of gamma-ray interaction position. Energy calibrations as a function of interaction position improve energy resolution, but systematic errors in the energy reconstruction process persist and limit energy resolution at fixed electronic noise. Digitization of signals induced on collecting and adjacent electrodes offers rich information about gamma-ray interactions and their charge drift and collection as a function of time. Despite the abundance of signals for each interaction, human intuition and rule-based approaches fail to utilize the entire set of observed signals to mitigate the sources of systematic error. In order to maximize the utility of digitized signals and improve energy resolution, principal component analysis is applied towards digitized signals observed in semiconductor detectors with pixelated anodes. Principal components identified in the process form the basis for position-specific energy corrections. By leveraging this additional information encoded within digitized signals, energy resolution improves by factors between 10 and 15% with respect to full-width at half and tenth maximum values. The feature that accounts for the maximum amount of explained variance between interactions in any given pixel correlates strongly with the depth of interaction.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A focussing iron line crystal spectrometer for Spacelab

A crystal spectrometer system is described which employs conical focusing of 12 curved LiF crystal panels to minimize the detector size and reduce the background counting rate. The wavelength range from 1.70 to 1.98 A is covered, including the resonance lines of Fe XXV and Fe XXVI as well as the Fe I K-alpha line and absorption edge. Operation of the spectrometer is discussed, noting that diffracted X-rays are registered in one-dimensional position-sensitive detectors and that the arrival position of a photon in a detector is related to its wavelength due to the fixed curvature of the crystal panels in the dispersion plane. Some characteristics of the multianode position-sensitive detectors are reviewed along with the crystal arrangement and mounting. The instrument sensitivity is evaluated in relation to the strengths of 6.7-keV emission features detected by the Ariel 5 and OSO 8 proportional-counter spectrometers.

Catura, R. C.↗

Recent development of the Multi-Grid detector for large area neutron scattering instruments

Most of the Neutron Scattering facilities are committed in a continuous program of modernization of their instruments, requiring large area and high performance thermal neutron detectors. Beside scintillators detectors, {sup 3}He detectors, like linear PSDs (Position Sensitive Detectors) and MWPCs (Multi-Wires Proportional Chambers), are the most current techniques nowadays. Time Of Flight instruments are using {sup 3}He PSDs mounted side by side to cover tens of m{sup 2}. As a result of the so-called '{sup 3}He shortage crisis{sup ,} the volume of 3He which is needed to build one of these instruments is not accessible anymore. The development of alternative techniques requiring no 3He, has been given high priority to secure the future of neutron scattering instrumentation. This is particularly important in the context where the future ESS (European Spallation Source) will start its operation in 2019-2020. Improved scintillators represent one of the alternative techniques. Another one is the Multi-Grid introduced at the ILL in 2009. A Multi-Grid detector is composed of several independent modules of typically 0.8 m x 3 m sensitive area, mounted side by side in air or in a vacuum TOF chamber. One module is composed of segmented boron-lined proportional counters mounted in a gas vessel; the counters, of square section, are assembled with Aluminium grids electrically insulated and stacked together. This design provides two advantages: First, magnetron sputtering techniques can be used to coat B{sub 4}C films on planar substrates, and second, the neutron position along the anode wires can be measured by reading out individually the grid signals with fast shaping amplifiers followed by comparators. Unlike charge division localisation in linear PSDs, the individual readout of the grids allows operating the Multi-Grid at a low amplification gain, hence this detector is tolerant to mechanical defects and its production accessible to laboratories equipped with standard equipment. Prototypes of different configurations and sizes have been developed and tested. A demonstrator, with a sensitive area of 0.8 m x 3 m, has been studied during the CRISP European project; it contains 1024 grids, and a surface of isotopically enriched B{sub 4}C film close to 80 m{sup 2}. Its size represented a challenge in terms of fabrication and mounting of the detection elements. Another challenge was to make the gas chamber mechanically compatible with operation in a vacuum TOF chamber. Optimal working condition of this detector was achieved by flushing Ar-CO{sub 2} at a pressure of 50 mbar, and by applying 400 Volts on the anodes. This unusual gas pressure allows to greatly simplifying the mechanics of the gas vessel in vacuum. The detection efficiency has been measured with high precision for different film thicknesses. 52% has been measured at 2.5 Angstrom, in good agreement with the MC simulation. A high position resolution has been achieved by centre of gravity measurement of the TOT (Time-Over-Threshold) signals between neighbouring grids. These results, as well as other detection parameters, including gamma sensitivity and spatial uniformity, will be presented. (author)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

FRAM v5.2 estimation of plutonium and uranium isotopics using digitized 3-D position-sensitive CdZnTe detectors

Gamma-ray spectroscopy is an important tool used in international safeguards to measure plutonium and uranium isotopics. Recently developed, digital, 3-D position-sensitive CdZnTe gamma-ray spectrometers are promising for safeguards, offering improved performance over commonly available CdZnTe systems, with energy resolutions approaching that of high-purity germanium. CdZnTe gamma-ray spectra from plutonium and uranium samples were processed using the commercially available software FRAM v5.2, a tool that estimates plutonium and uranium isotopics from high-purity germanium spectra, across a wide range of materials. Furthermore using digital CdZnTe systems 239 Pu/ 240 Pu isotopic composition and effective 240 Pu percentage are evaluated to within less than 3 sigma statistical measurement uncertainty across reactor to weapons-grade samples, while low and highly-enriched uranium are easily distinguished.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A high performance neutron powder diffractometer at 3 MW Triga Mark-II research reactor in Bangladesh

A high performance neutron diffractometer called Savar Neutron Diffractometer (SAND) was built and installed at radial beam port-2 of TRIGA Mark II research reactor at AERE, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Structural studies of materials are being done by this technique to characterize materials crystallograpohically and magnetically. The micro-structural information obtainable by neutron scattering method is very essential for determining its technological applications. This technique is unique for understanding the magnetic behavior in magnetic materials. Ceramic, steel, electronic and electric industries can be benefited from this facility for improving their products and fabrication process. This instrument consists of a Popovicimonochromator with a large linear position sensitive detector array. The monochromator consists of nine blades of perfect single crystal of silicon with 6 mm thickness each. The monochromator design was optimized to provide maximum flux on 3 mm diameter cylindrical sample with a relatively flat angular dependence of resolution. Five different wave lengths can be selected by orienting the crystal at various angles. A sapphire filter was used before the primary collimator to minimize the first neutron. The detector assembly is composed of 15 linear position sensitive proportional counters placed at either 1.1 m or 1.6 m from the sample position and enclosed in a air pad supported high density polythene shield. Position sensing is obtained by charge division using 1-wide NIM position encoding modules (PEM). The PEMs communicate with the host computer via USB. The detector when placed at 1.1 m, subtends 30° (2θ) at each step and covers 120° in 4 steps. When the detector is placed at 1.6 m it subtends 20° at each step and covers 120° in 6 steps. The instrument supports both low and high temperature sample environment. The instrument supports both low and high temperature sample environment. The diffractometer is a state-of-the art technology for diffraction study in our country.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

X-ray spectrometer and methods for use

A spectrometer includes a crystal analyzer having a radius of curvature that defines a Rowland circle, a sample stage configured to support a sample such that the sample is offset from the Rowland circle, an x-ray source configured to emit unfocused x-rays toward the sample stage, and a position-sensitive detector that is tangent to the Rowland circle. A method performed via a spectrometer includes emitting, via an x-ray source, unfocused x-rays toward a sample that is mounted on a sample stage such that the sample is offset from the Rowland Circle, thereby causing the sample to emit x-rays that impinge on the crystal analyzer or transmit a portion of the unfocused x-rays to impinge on the crystal analyzer; scattering, via the crystal analyzer, the x-rays that impinge on the crystal analyzer; and detecting the scattered x-rays via a position-sensitive detector that is tangent to the Rowland circle.

Seidler, Gerald Todd↗

X-ray spectrometer and methods for use

A spectrometer includes a crystal analyzer having a radius of curvature that defines a Rowland circle, a sample stage configured to support a sample such that the sample is offset from the Rowland circle, x-ray source configured to emit unfocused x-rays toward the sample stage, and a position-sensitive detector that is tangent to the Rowland circle. A method performed via a spectrometer includes emitting, via an x-ray source, unfocused x-rays toward a sample that is mounted on a sample stage such that the sample is offset from the Rowland Circle, thereby causing the sample to emit x-rays that impinge on the crystal analyzer or transmit a portion of the unfocused x-rays to impinge on the crystal analyzer; scattering, via the crystal analyzer, the x-rays that impinge on the crystal analyzer; and detecting the scattered x-rays via a position-sensitive detector that is tangent to the Rowland circle.

Seidler, Gerald Todd↗

Analysis of Radioactive Waste and Contamination using 3D Position-Sensitive CdZnTe Detectors

INTRODUCTION The US has surplus plutonium. This material will be diluted in gloveboxes at SRS [Ref 1 and 2]. This process will create holdup. Holdup is material in an unexpected or unwanted location. Because this holdup material is primarily PuO2, it must be accounted for (measured). This measurement is typically done using a liquid-nitrogen cooled, HPGe detector. To enable more rapid processing, advanced holdup technologies are being explored [Ref 3 and 4]. METHODS For the surplus plutonium dilute and dispose program, the traditional detector system could slow down the optimal operational tempo of the program. A multiple-detector system, providing complete glovebox coverage, based on CdZnTe crystals, 3D-positioning electronics, and a coded aperture mask, is in the process of being developed by ORNL and SRNL [Ref 4].

Whiteside, Tad [Savannah River National Laboratory↗

Characterization of retroreflective tape optical properties for use with position-sensitive scintillator detectors

Reflective materials such as Teflon and Enhanced Specular Reflector are commonly used to maximize light collection in scintillator-based radiation detection systems. While effective, in most cases, the spatial information carried by the light is diminished or lost entirely. Retroreflectors, in contrast, better preserve the spatial information and have been shown to improve the localization performance of such systems. In this work, the relative retroreflectivity of a selection of commercial retroreflective tapes and their performance impact when coupled to a plastic scintillator are reported. Finally, we demonstrate improved localization performance with some tapes compared to Teflon and black paint.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Time-Encoded Gamma-Ray Imaging Using a 3-D Position-Sensitive CdZnTe Detector Array

The gamma-ray response of thick pixelated CdZnTe detectors varies spatially but is relatively constant as a function of time. Detector irregularities arise from flaws in the material, electrode fabrication, and gaps between the detectors in an array. These nonuniformities generate artifacts in coded aperture images that can obscure a source of interest. This article presents the theory, design, and demonstration of a 3-D CdZnTe-based time-encoded imager. Experimental results show the gamma-ray images of point-like and extended 57 Co and HEU-metal sources formed using a spatially nonuniform 3-D CdZnTe detector array and moving coded aperture mask. Image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for a point source was within 10% of its statistical limit at 250k counts.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Intermediate Energies for Nuclear Astrophysics and the Development of a Position Sensitive Microstrip Detector System

The chemical elements are made at astrophysical sites through a sequence of nuclear reactions often involving unstable nuclei. The overarching aim of this project is to construct a system that allows for the inverse process of nucleosynthesis (i.e. breakup of heavier nuclei into lighter ones) to be studied in high efficiency. The specific problem to be overcome with this grant is inadequate dynamic range and (triggering) threshold to detect the products of the breakup which include both heavy ions (with large energy and large deposited energy in a detector system) and protons (with little energy and deposited energy.) Early on in the grant we provided both TAMU and RIKEN (the site of the eventual experiments) with working systems based on the existing technology. This technology could be used with either an external preamplifier that was to be designed and fabricated by our RIKEN collaborators or upgraded by replacing the existing chip with one we designed. The RIKEN external preamplifier project never can to completion but our revised chip was designed, fabricated, used in a test experiment and performs as required.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Breakup of loosely bound nuclei at intermediate energies for nuclear astrophysics and the development of a position sensitive microstrip detector system and its readout electronics using ASICs technologies

The work performed under this grant has led to the development of a detection system that will be used to measure reaction rates for proton or neutron capture reactions at stellar energies on radioactive ions far from stability. The reaction rates are needed to better understand the physics of nucleosynthesis in explosive stellar processes such as supernovae and x-ray burst events. The radioactive ions will be produced at the Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (RIBF) at RIKEN near Tokyo, Japan. During the course of this work, the group involved in this project has expanded by several institutions in Europe and Japan and now involves collaborators from the U.S., Japan, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, and South Korea. As part of the project, a novel design based on large-area silicon detectors has been built and tested and the performance characterized in a series of tests using particle beams with a variety of atomic numbers at the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&M University and the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba facility (HIMAC) in Chiba, Japan. The work has involved mechanical construction of a special purpose vacuum chamber, with a precision mounting system for the silicon detectors, development of a new ASICs readout system that has applications with a wide variety of silicon detector systems, and the development of a data acquisition system that is integrated into the computer system being used at RIBF. The parts noted above that are needed to carry out the research program are completed and ready for installation. Several approved experiments that will use this system will be carried out in the near future. The experimental work has been delayed due to a large increase in the cost and availability of electrical power for RIBF that occurred following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in the spring of 2011. Another component of the research carried out with this grant involved developing the theoretical tools that are required to extract the information from the experiments that is needed to determine the stellar reaction rates. The tools developed through this part of the work will be made freely available for general use.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Breakup of loosely bound nuclei at intermediate energies for nuclear astrophysics and the development of a position sensitive microstrip detector system and its readout electronics using ASICs technologies

The work performed under this grant has led to the development of a detection system that will be used to measure reaction rates for proton or neutron capture reactions at stellar energies on radioactive ions far from stability. The reaction rates are needed to better understand the physics of nucleosynthesis in explosive stellar processes such as supernovae and x-ray burst events. The radioactive ions will be produced at the Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (RIBF) at RIKEN near Tokyo, Japan. During the course of this work, the group involved in this project has expanded by several institutions in Europe and Japan and now involves collaborators from the U.S., Japan, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, and South Korea. As part of the project, a novel design based on large-area silicon detectors has been built and tested. The work has involved mechanical construction of a special purpose vacuum chamber, with a precision mounting system for the silicon detectors, development of a new ASICs readout system that has applications with a wide variety of silicon detector systems, and the development of a data acquisition system that is integrated into the computer system being used at RIBF. The parts noted above that are needed to carry out the research program are completed and ready for installation. Several approved experiments that will use this system will be carried out in the near future. The experimental work has been delayed due to a large increase in the cost and availability of electrical power for RIBF that occurred following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in the spring of 2011. Another component of the research carried out with this grant involved developing the theoretical tools that are required to extract the information from the experiments that is needed to determine the stellar reaction rates. The tools developed through this part of the work will be made freely available for general use.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗