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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Analysis of Radioactive 65 Zn Contamination using 3D Position Sensitive CdZnTe Detectors

SRNL NMG Goal: In collaboration with ORNL, the aim is to identify and explore innovative technology opportunities that accelerate disposition, reduce life cycle costs, minimize worker radiation exposure, and improve worker safety and minimize program risks. • This process will include 3 glovebox systems that require personnel to dilute and package the plutonium for safe storage at WIPP. • For holdup monitoring and verification, gamma ray spectroscopy and imaging are the methods employed to achieve real time analysis of the plutonium waste. 2

Nwadeyi, Valerie E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A position-sensitive germanium detector for gamma-ray astronomy

The critical problem in high-resolution cosmic gamma-ray spectroscopy in the energy range from 0.02 to 10 MeV is the limited spectral sensitivity of the detectors used. This results from the small effective area of the detectors and the high background noise due to induced radioactivity and scattering in the detectors' high-energy particle environment. The effective area can be increased by increasing the number of detectors, but this becomes prohibitive because of the size and expense of the resulting instrument. We have taken a new approach: a segmented large-volume germanium gamma-ray detector which can effectively discriminate against internal background yet maintain the high spectral resolution and efficiency of conventional coaxial Ge detectors. To verify this concept, a planar detector divided into two segments has been fabricated and laboratory measurements agree well with Monte Carlo calculations. A large coaxial detector which will be divided into five segments is being built using the techniques developed for the planar detector. Monte Carlo calculations show that the sensitivity (minimum detectable flux) of the segmented coaxial detector is a factor of 2-3 better than conventional detectors because of the reduction in the internal background.

Varnell, L. S.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Determination of Lateral Diffusivity in Single Pixel X-ray Absorbers with Implications for Position Dependent Excess Broadening

An ideal microcalorimeter is characterized by a constant energy resolution across the sensor's dynamic range. Any dependence of pulse shape on the position within the absorber where an event occurs leads to a degradation in resolution that is linear with event s energy (excess broadening). In this paper we present a numerical simulation that was developed to model the variation in pulse shape with position based on the thermal conductivity within the absorber and between the absorber, sensor, and heat bath, for arbitrarily shaped absorbers and sensors. All the parameters required for the simulation can be measured from actual devices. We describe how the thermal conductivity of the absorber material is determined by comparing the results of this model with data taken from a position sensitive detector in which any position dependent effect is purposely emphasized by making a long, narrow absorber that is read out by sensors on both end. Finally, we present the implications for excess broadening given the measured parameters of our X-ray microcalorimeters.

Saab, T.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Thermal Neutron Imaging Using A New Pad-Based Position Sensitive Neutron Detector

Thermal neutrons (with mean energy of 25 meV) have a scattering mean free path of about 20 m in air. Therefore it is feasible to find localized thermal neutron sources up to ~30 m standoff distance using thermal neutron imaging. Coded aperture thermal neutron imaging was developed in our laboratory in the nineties, using He-3 filled wire chambers. Recently a new generation of coded-aperture neutron imagers has been developed. In the new design the ionization chamber has anode and cathode planes, where the anode is composed of an array of individual pads. The charge is collected on each of the individual 5x5 mm2 anode pads, (48x48 in total, corresponding to 24x24 cm2 sensitive area) and read out by application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The high sensitivity of the ASICs allows unity gain operation mode. The new design has several advantages for field deployable imaging applications, compared to the previous generation of wire-grid based neutron detectors. Among these are the rugged design, lighter weight and use of non-flammable stopping gas. For standoff localization of thermalized neutron sources a low resolution (11x11 pixel) coded aperture mask has been fabricated. Using the new larger area detector and the coarse resolution mask we performed several standoff experiments using moderated californium and plutonium sources at Idaho National Laboratory. In this paper we will report on the development and performance of the new pad-based neutron camera, and present long range coded-aperture images of various thermalized neutron sources.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Study of sub-pixel position resolution with time-correlated transient signals in 3D pixelated CdZnTe detectors with varying pixel sizes

Here, we evaluated the sub-pixel position resolution achievable in large-volume CdZnTe pixelated detectors with conventional pixel patterns and for several different pixel sizes: 2.8 mm, 1.72 mm, 1.4 mm and 0.8 mm. Achieving position resolution below the physical dimensions of pixels (sub-pixel resolution) is a practical path for making high-granularity position-sensitive detectors, <100 μμm, using a limited number of pixels dictated by the mechanical constraints and multi-channel readout electronics. High position sensitivity is important for improving the imaging capability of CZT gamma cameras. It also allows for making more accurate corrections of response non-uniformities caused by crystal defects, thus enabling use of standard-grade (unselected) and less expensive CZT crystals for producing large-volume position-sensitive CZT detectors feasible for many practical applications. We analyzed the digitized charge signals from a representative 9 pixels and the cathode, generated using a pulsed-laser light beam focused down to 10 m (650 nm) to scan over a selected 3×3 pixel area. We applied our digital pulse processing technique to the time-correlated signals captured from adjacent pixels to achieve and evaluate the capability for sub-pixel position resolution. As an example, we also demonstrated an application of 3D corrections to improve the energy resolution and positional information of the events for the tested detectors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Corrections for the geometric distortion of the tube detectors on SANS instruments at ORNL

Small-angle neutron scattering instruments at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor were upgraded in area detectors from the large, single volume crossed-wire detectors originally installed to staggered arrays of linear position-sensitive detectors (LPSDs). The specific geometry of the LPSD array requires that approaches to data reduction traditionally employed be modified. Here, two methods for correcting the geometric distortion produced by the LPSD array are presented and compared. The first method applies a correction derived from a detector sensitivity measurement performed using the same configuration as the samples are measured. In the second method, a solid angle correction is derived that can be applied to data collected in any instrument configuration during the data reduction process in conjunction with a detector sensitivity measurement collected at a sufficiently long camera length where the geometric distortions are negligible. Furthermore, both methods produce consistent results and yield a maximum deviation of corrected data from isotropic scattering samples of less than 5% for scattering angles up to a maximum of 35°. The results are broadly applicable to any SANS instrument employing LPSD array detectors, which will be increasingly common as instruments having higher incident flux are constructed at various neutron scattering facilities around the world.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-C-201-03: Coded Aperture Gamma-Ray Imaging Using Pixelated Semiconductor Detectors

Purpose: Improved localization of gamma-ray emissions from radiotracers is essential to the progress of nuclear medicine. Polaris is a portable, room-temperature operated gamma-ray imaging spectrometer composed of two 3×3 arrays of thick CdZnTe (CZT) detectors, which detect gammas between 30keV and 3MeV with energy resolution of <1% FWHM at 662keV. Compton imaging is used to map out source distributions in 4-pi space; however, is only effective above 300keV where Compton scatter is dominant. This work extends imaging to photoelectric energies (<300keV) using coded aperture imaging (CAI), which is essential for localization of Tc-99m (140keV). Methods: CAI, similar to the pinhole camera, relies on an attenuating mask, with open/closed elements, placed between the source and position-sensitive detectors. Partial attenuation of the source results in a “shadow” or count distribution that closely matches a portion of the mask pattern. Ideally, each source direction corresponds to a unique count distribution. Using backprojection reconstruction, the source direction is determined within the field of view. The knowledge of 3D position of interaction results in improved image quality. Results: Using a single array of detectors, a coded aperture mask, and multiple Co-57 (122keV) point sources, image reconstruction is performed in real-time, on an event-by-event basis, resulting in images with an angular resolution of ∼6 degrees. Although material nonuniformities contribute to image degradation, the superposition of images from individual detectors results in improved SNR. CAI was integrated with Compton imaging for a seamless transition between energy regimes. Conclusion: For the first time, CAI has been applied to thick, 3D position sensitive CZT detectors. Real-time, combined CAI and Compton imaging is performed using two 3×3 detector arrays, resulting in a source distribution in space. This system has been commercialized by H3D, Inc. and is being acquired for various applications worldwide, including proton therapy imaging R&D.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

LumaCam: a novel class of position-sensitive event mode particle detectors using scintillator screens

A new type of position-sensitive detectors is gaining attention in the neutron community. They are scintillator based detectors that detect the scintillation light on an individual photon basis via an image intensifier and a fast image sensor. Their readout operates in event mode i.e. it produces information about individual neutron interactions, reconstructed from the sensor data, thus enabling to achieve superior spatial and temporal resolutions compared to regular detectors. Although the development of current detectors is focused on neutrons, the concept is also applicable to the detection of other particles such as high-energy photons. This document provides a description on how these detectors are built, how they operate, and what their characteristics are. An example of a detector implementation based on a Timepix3 chip is described to illustrate the detector concept. This includes a detailed description of the algorithm that reconstructs the neutron interactions from the sensor data, one of the core components that sets it apart from established scintillator-based imaging detectors. Energy-resolved epithermal neutron radiography was performed at the ISIS EMMA beamline with this detector, illustrating some of the fundamental differences in the data that can be produced with the new type of detector compared to more established types of scintillator based neutron detectors. The term LumaCam is proposed to refer to this new class of position-sensitive event-mode detectors.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1988

Position sensitivity of MAMA detectors

The results of laboratory and telescopic measurements of the position sensitivity of a visible MAMA detector utilizing a 'coarse-fine' array are presented. The photometric accuracy of this detector was determined under point source illumination. It was found that computed centroid positions are accurate across the entire array to within 0.04 pixels.

Morgan, J. S.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Performance of position-sensitive resistive silicon detectors in the Forward Array Using Silicon Technology (FAUST)

The silicon telescopes of the Forward Array Using Silicon Technology (FAUST) have been recently upgraded with silicon detectors which use resistive charge-splitting to measure the position of charged particles. This is in addition to the measurement of the total energy that these charged particles deposit in the detector. The upgrade results in increased angular resolution with a much smaller number of signals than silicon strip detectors with similar resolution. Here, a novel method of calibration has been used to demonstrate the efficacy of these position-sensitive detectors, and the detectors have been used in a commissioning experiment.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1982

An instrument for rapidly measuring plasma distribution functions with high resolution

An instrument which can rapidly measure plasma particle distribution functions has been developed based upon recent innovations in electrostatic analyzer design and position sensitive particle detection. The new analyzer uses a quadrispherical geometry, but has a completely uniform 360 deg fan-shaped field of view. The polar angular distribution of entering particles is spatially imaged onto a position sensitive detector at the annular exit aperture after a deflection through 90 deg. Several methods of position sensitive detection have been successfully used in conjunction with this analyzer. The simplest is individual channel multipliers spaced around the annular exit. Microchannel plate electron multipliers permit greater position resolution to be obtained, and a detector using microchannel plates followed by a resistive anode image converter obtains angular resolution of about one degree, i.e., 360 individual angle pixels. Instruments of this type were flown on a sounding rocket in early 1982 and will be included on the Giotto comet mission and the AMPTE ion release module (IRM).

Carlson, C. W.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Indigenous design and development of multiPSD array for time of flight neutron spectrometer

Time of Flight neutron Spectrometer for inelastic neutron scattering studies is being commissioned at Dhruva reactor. Neutron pulse tagging is carried out using the Fermi chopper. Scattered neutrons at maximum possible scattered solid angle are needed to be detected along with the time information at detector. Precise and efficient detection system is essential for measurement of spatial and temporal distribution. Detection area is optimized to cover an angle of 70° in horizontal direction and 23° in vertical direction. Position sensitive detectors (PSDs) are designed with judicial use of precious {sup 3}He gas and a few PSDs with BF{sub 3} gas as suitable alternative for {sup 3}He gas. An array of vertically arranged 1 m long, 50 PSDs, covers the arc length of 2.5 m and detection area 2.5 m{sup 2}. The design of the BF{sub 3} PSDs is supported by investigations on the gas purity, fill gas pressure, drift region, drift field and neutron absorption in cathode wall. Design details and performance of the PSDs are presented in the paper.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

CAMEA—A novel multiplexing analyzer for neutron spectroscopy

The analyzer detector system continuous angle multiple energy analysis will be installed on the cold-neutron triple-axis spectrometer RITA-2 at SINQ, PSI. CAMEA is optimized for efficiency in the horizontal scattering plane enabling rapid and detailed mapping of excitations. As a novelty the design employs a series of several sequential upward scattering analyzer arcs. Each arc is set to a different, fixed, final energy and scatters neutrons towards position sensitive detectors. Thus, neutrons with different final energies are recorded simultaneously over a large angular range. In a single data-acquisition many entire constant-energy lines in the horizontal scattering plane are recorded for a quasi-continuous angular coverage of about 60°. With a large combined coverage in energy and momentum, this will result in a very efficient spectrometer, which will be particularly suited for parametric studies under extreme conditions with restrictive sample environments (high field magnets or pressure cells) and for small samples of novel materials. In this paper we outline the concept and the specifications of the instrument currently under construction.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2015

A new development on measurement and control software of SANS BATAN spectrometer (SMARTer) in Serpong, Indonesia

In 2005, the main computer for data acquisition and control system of Small-angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) BATAN Spectrometer (SMARTer) was replaced since it halted to operate the spectrometer. According to this replacement, the new software for data acquisition and control system has been developed in-house. Visual Basic programming language is used in developing the software. In the last two years, many developments have been made both in the hardware and also the software to conduct the experiment is more effective and efficient. Lately, the previous motor controller card (ISA Card) was replaced with the programmable motor controller card (PCI Card) for driving one motor of position sensitive detector (PSD), eight motors of four collimators, and six motors of six pinhole discs. This new control system software makes all motors can be moved simultaneously, then it reduces significantly the consuming time of setting up the instrument before running the experiment. Along with that development, the new data acquisition software under MS Windows operating system is also developed to drive a beam stopper in X-Y directions as well as to read the equipment status such as position of the collimators and PSD, to acquire neutron counts on monitor and PSD detectors, and also to manage 12 samples position automatically. A timer object which is set in one second to read the equipment status via serial port of the computer (RS232C), and general purpose interface board (GPIB) for reading the total counts of each pixel of the PSD from histogram memory was used in this new software. The experiment result displayed in real time on the main window, and the data is saved in the special format for further data reduction and analysis. The new software has been implemented and performed for experiment using a preset count or preset time mode for absolute scattering intensity method.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2017

Radiological Shielding Design for the Neutron Backscattering Spectrometer EMU

In this paper we present modelling and design of compact radiation shielding required for operation of the EMU instrument, located at Australia's OPAL nuclear reactor. The acceptance criteria for the shielding design were (i) safety - dose rate ≤ 3 μSv/h at external surfaces of the instrument's experimental area, (ii) floor load limit < 20 tons/m{sup 2}, (iii) low cost and (iv) for maintenance purposes 'easy access' to components of the instruments. The EMU instrument is a cold neutron backscattering spectrometer designed to measure inelastic neutron scattering. Its distinctive feature is that it has a tight elastic energy transfer resolution, of about 1 μeV. The instrument provides unique opportunities to study diffusion in complex materials, e.g. water molecules in confinement, polymers or biological molecules, particularly in the Asia-Oceania region. EMU is the first instrument located on the CG3 neutron beam line of the OPAL Neutron Guide Hall (NGH). A pre-existing evacuated neutron guide of dimensions 200 mm (height) x 50 mm (width) feeds into the shared EMU/KOOKABURRA pre-monochromator bunker shielding assembly, and its bottom cross section will be intercepted ∼200 mm further in air by the highly orientated pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) EMU pre-monochromator (take-off angles from 125.4 deg. to 148 deg.). The bunker shielding assembly for EMU also contains a beryllium filter and Focusing Guide Section D (FGD, 170 mm (height) x 50 mm (width)). To accommodate the range of take-off angles Pb cylindrical shielding blocks of radius 140 mm and 500 mm height have been designed. These blocks will be located at the section of the bunker where the neutron beam will exit towards the experimental area and they will reside on top of a hollow steel base (sides 10 mm thick), on which they move by sliding and are integrated with the tertiary shutter. The experimental area is enclosed by a concrete wall of 2.5 m height and 300 mm thickness, shared with the KOOKABURRA instrument, Gyprock Plasterboard panels with viewing windows, a wall from the Out-of-Pile Bunker and the CG3 shielding. The neutron beam enters the experimental area via the tertiary shutter, into the Focusing Guide Section C (FGC), which has an entrance guide cross-section of 158 mm (height) x 79 mm (width) and exit guide cross-section of 149 mm (height) x 85 mm (width) and is of length 816 mm. The vacuum chamber of FGC will be connected to the vacuum chamber of the Background Chopper (BC, disc of outer radius 350 mm). Focusing Guide Section B (FGB) is aligned with FGC and its vacuum shared with the BC vacuum. The FGB has an exit guide cross section of 50 mm (height) x 49 mm (width) and is of length 4046 mm, which will focus the neutron beam vertically and horizontally towards the Al window entrance (0.82 mm thickness, labelled N16) of the Scattering Tank assembly (constructed from 20 mm - 40 mm thickness stainless steel and will be under vacuum < 1 x 10{sup -3} mbar). Inside the Scattering Tank there is another section of Focusing Guide (FGA), with an exit guide cross-section of 30 mm (height) 30 mm (width) and of length 417 mm. The neutron beam exiting the FGA will be reflected by the HOPG crystal pieces of the Graphite Chopper (GC) towards the Backscattering Monochromator (BM). The reflected neutron beam will first pass through the other Al window (0.82 mm thickness, labelled N17) of the Scattering Tank and then enter into a flight tube (steel of 10 mm thickness). The BM is formed in an 1800 mm spherical radius array of Si crystal elements (0.87 mm thickness) and is oscillated by the linear motor Doppler Drive. The neutron beam will be reflected back at 180 deg. from, and focussed by the BM to reenter the Scattering Tank through the N17 Al window. It will then pass through the GC (HOPG crystals are rotated out of the way) and will reach the scattering sample of interest to the instrument end user. Also, inside the Scattering Tank there will be {sup 3}He linear position-sensitive detectors, and Analyser Arrays formed in an 1800 mm radius spherical arrays of Si crystal elements (0.87 mm thickness) glued on aluminium support frames (10 mm thickness) and span ∼160 deg. arc.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗