Dimensional Detector Research Articles

Status of the “new” AMS facility in Trondheim

The Radiocarbon Laboratory of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim has a long history, dating back to the 1950s. Its relatively new AMS facility is based on a 1MV Tandetron from High Voltage Engineering Europa B.V. that is equipped with a hybrid solid/gas SO-110 ion source, a low energy spectrometer supporting sequential injection, a high energy analysis system consisting of a magnet and an electrostatic deflector, allowing insertion of an absorber foil for isobar suppression, and a two dimensional gas ionisation detector (E and ΔE). The system is at present capable of measuring 10Be, 14C, and 26Al and can be easily modified to measure isotopes of higher masses.Acceptance tests results for 10Be1+, 14C2+, 26Al1+, and 26Al3+ are presented. The laboratory measures only 14C at present and the routine procedures are described.The system has demonstrated a very low background (70,000 14C years BP or 2·10−16 on Alfa Aesar 40795 graphite powder, −200 mesh, 99.9995%) for 14C when charge state 2+ is measured and the interference of Li ions in the detector is minimal. Some ion optical peculiarities of the system are also discussed.

SU-D-BRD-07: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Statistical Process Control Methods to Detect Systematic Errors For Routine Electron Energy Verification

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of statistical process control methods to detect systematic errors when using a two dimensional (2D) detector array for routine electron beam energy verification. Methods: Electron beam energy constancy was measured using an aluminum wedge and a 2D diode array on four linear accelerators. Process control limits were established. Measurements were recorded in control charts and compared with both calculated process control limits and TG-142 recommended specification limits. The data was tested for normality, process capability and process acceptability. Additional measurements were recorded while systematic errors were intentionally introduced. Systematic errors included shifts in the alignment of the wedge, incorrect orientation of the wedge, and incorrect array calibration. Results: Control limits calculated for each beam were smaller than the recommended specification limits. Process capability and process acceptability ratios were greater than one in all cases. All data was normally distributed. Shifts in the alignment of the wedge were most apparent for low energies. The smallest shift (0.5 mm) was detectable using process control limits in some cases, while the largest shift (2 mm) was detectable using specification limits in only one case. The wedge orientation tested did not affect the measurements as this did not affectmore » the thickness of aluminum over the detectors of interest. Array calibration dependence varied with energy and selected array calibration. 6 MeV was the least sensitive to array calibration selection while 16 MeV was the most sensitive. Conclusion: Statistical process control methods demonstrated that the data distribution was normally distributed, the process was capable of meeting specifications, and that the process was centered within the specification limits. Though not all systematic errors were distinguishable from random errors, process control limits increased the ability to detect systematic errors using routine measurement of electron beam energy constancy.« less

Design and performance of a large area neutron sensitive anger camera

We describe the design and performance of a 157mm×157mm two dimensional neutron detector. The detector uses the Anger principle to determine the position of neutrons. We have verified FWHM resolution of <1.2mm with distortion <0.5mm on over 50 installed Anger Cameras. The performance of the detector is limited by the light yield of the scintillator, and it is estimated that the resolution of the current detector could be doubled with a brighter scintillator. Data collected from small (<1mm3) single crystal reference samples at the single crystal instrument TOPAZ provide results with low values of the refinement parameter Rw(F).

Characterization of HPGe detectors using Computed Tomography

Computed Tomography (CT) high-resolution imaging have been used to investigate if there is a significant change in the crystal-to-window distance, i.e. the air gap thickness, in a small n-type detector cooled to 77K, and in a medium sized p-type HPGe detector when cooled to 100K. The findings were compared to detector dimension data made available by the manufacturer. The air gap thickness increased by (0.38±0.07)mm for the n-type detector and by (0.40±0.15)mm for the p-type detector when the detectors were cooled to 77 resp. 100K compared to at room temperature. Monte Carlo calculations indicate that these differences have a significant impact on the efficiency in close geometries (<5cm). In the energy range of 40–700keV with a source placed directly on endcap, the change in detector efficiency with temperature is 1.9–2.9% for the n-type detector and 0.3–2.1% for the p-type detector. The measured air gap thickness when cooling the detector was 1.1mm thicker than manufacturer data for the n-type detector and 0.2mm thicker for the p-type detector. In the energy range of 40–700keV and with a source on endcap, this result in a change in detector efficiency of 5.2–7.1% for the n-type detector and 0.2–1.0% for the p-type detector, i.e. the detector efficiency is overestimated using data available by the manufacturer.

On-chip hybrid photonic-plasmonic light concentrator for nanofocusing in an integrated silicon photonics platform.

The enhancement and confinement of electromagnetic radiation to nanometer scale have improved the performances and decreased the dimensions of optical sources and detectors for several applications including spectroscopy, medical applications, and quantum information. Realization of on-chip nanofocusing devices compatible with silicon photonics platform adds a key functionality and provides opportunities for sensing, trapping, on-chip signal processing, and communications. Here, we discuss the design, fabrication, and experimental demonstration of light nanofocusing in a hybrid plasmonic-photonic nanotaper structure. We discuss the physical mechanisms behind the operation of this device, the coupling mechanisms, and how to engineer the energy transfer from a propagating guided mode to a trapped plasmonic mode at the apex of the plasmonic nanotaper with minimal radiation loss. Optical near-field measurements and Fourier modal analysis carried out using a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) show a tight nanofocusing of light in this structure to an extremely small spot of 0.00563(λ/(2n(rmax)))(3) confined in 3D and an exquisite power input conversion of 92%. Our experiments also verify the mode selectivity of the device (low transmission of a TM-like input mode and high transmission of a TE-like input mode). A large field concentration factor (FCF) of about 4.9 is estimated from our NSOM measurement with a radius of curvature of about 20 nm at the apex of the nanotaper. The agreement between our theory and experimental results reveals helpful insights about the operation mechanism of the device, the interplay of the modes, and the gradual power transfer to the nanotaper apex.

Position resolution limits in pure noble gaseous detectors for X-ray energies from 1 to 60 keV

The calculated position resolutions for X-ray photons (1–60 keV) in pure noble gases at atmospheric pressure are presented. In this work we show the influence of the atomic shells and the detector dimensions on the intrinsic position resolution of the used noble gas. The calculated results were obtained by using a new software tool, Degrad, and compared to the available experimental data.

Angular resolution of a neutron scatter imaging system

Using a combination of imaging and spectroscopic capabilities, neutron scatter imaging is a novel method of detecting neutrons in an energy range from 1 to 20 MeV. The technique can be applied to measurements in a variety of areas, including solar and atmospheric physics, radiation therapy, and nuclear materials monitoring. Angular resolution is an important parameter for a neutron scatter imaging system. There are some factors causing the uncertainty in the reconstructed image due to the imperfection of the detector system and natures of neutron scattering. These factors mainly are the uncertainties of the position and the energy. In this paper, the contributions of these factors to the angular resolution are discussed. The results show that the angular resolution varies with scatter angle; the position uncertainty not only directly affects the angular resolution, but also indirectly contributes to the angular uncertainty by influencing energy uncertainty; when the detector dimension is less than 5 cm, the energy uncertainty becomes a dominating factor for angular resolution. The prototype is designed based on the above analysis results. The angular resolution of the designed prototype is tested on Cf252 source. The experimental results are basically consistent with the simulation results.

Development of Nuclear Emulsion Detector for Muon Radiography

Muon radiography is the non-destructive testing technique of large-scale constructions with cosmic ray muon. Cosmic ray muon has high penetrating power and it always comes from the whole sky. In the same way of taking a X-ray photograph, we can obtain integrated density of constructions which thickness are several tens to several hundreds. We had ever applied this technique to nuclear reactors, volcanos, and so on. Nuclear emulsion is three dimensional track detector with micrometric position accuracy. Thanks to high position resolution, Nuclear emulsion has mrad angular resolution. In addition, the features which require no power supply and can observe in a large area suitable for muon radiography. In Nagoya University, we launched emulsion manufacturing equipment at 2010. It has become possible to flexible development of our detector and succeeded to development of high sensitive nuclear emulsion film (Nagoya emulsion). An important factor is the temperature characteristic to withstand the outdoor observation as a detector to be used in the muon radiography. There is a phenomenon of a latent image fading, whichit is well known in the photographic industry, and this phenomenon is known that temperature and water are involved. So we examined temperature and humidity characteristic of latent image fading about Nagoya emulsion. As a result, we found latent image fading is strongly depends on both temperature and humidity. By dehydrating emulsion film in RH8%, over 95% (Grain Density>40) detection efficiency of muon track keeps over 3months in 25degree, for 2months in 35degree. Additionally it was showed in this test that increasing back ground noise “fog”, which may have occurred by sealing emulsion film in a narrow space, is reduced by buffer space in the bag.

Calibrating scattering angle in wide angle X-ray scattering experiment

Impact by in-situ experiment device there are some discrepancies between scattering angle obtained from detector and the real scattering angle of the sample within simultaneous small and wide angle X-ray scattering experiment. Therefor method for calibrating scattering angle should be developed in various experiment conditions. Two problems must be solved in calibrating process: first, a calibration equation should be developed which include the main factors leading to angle deviation. The second problem is finding the corresponding real scattering angle of standard sample to scattering angle obtained from detector in different experiment modes. In this paper, method for building calibration equation was proposed on the base of one-dimensional arc detector. A geometry model was created in rectangular coordinates of the sample. Then the model was simplified by Taylor approximation according to required precision. Through numerical simulating of different experimental conditions, the validity of calibration equation was proved, and the simulating results could be used to solve the problem of finding corresponding relationship of scattering angle from detector with real scattering angle of the sample. Three standard samples were selected to verify the precision of calibration equation within different experimental conditions. The results show that mode 2 and 3 were consistent with the theory prediction. However in mode 1 the calibration precision was slightly larger than theory simulation. It may be caused by decreased angle resolution and parallax effect in experiment of mode 3 which was related to detector properties, beam divergence and the uneven sample. This method could be also used to build calibration equation for other type detectors, such as one-dimensional line detector or two dimensional surface detector.

The ICARUS T600 Liquid Argon Purification System

The ICARUS detector is a liquid argon time projection chamber with unique features that make it an ideal device to be used for several particle physics applications. After years of R&D activities, the ICARUS Collaboration proposed the construction of the T600 in strict partnership with industry to guarantee the necessary and viable scaling-up of the technology from prototypal dimensions to sized plants in order to study neutrino oscillations and matter stability in an effective way. The T600 represents the largest LAr detector (760 t LAr mass) ever realized. It was installed and successfully operated for 3 years inside the underground Gran Sasso Laboratory from May 2010 to June 2013. One of the most important issues for the success of the detector technology is the liquid argon purity. Purity requirements become stronger and stronger with the increase of the detector dimensions: for a plant of the ICARUS T600 size it is necessary to keep the residual electronegative impurity content to a level of the order of 0.1 parts per billion or better all over the argon volume during the whole detector run, thus allowing the ionization tracks, created by interacting particles inside LAr, to be transported with only slight attenuation along the drift path. In this paper we present the ICARUS T600 purification plant installed at Gran Sasso Laboratory and describe in details the solutions adopted for the LAr re-circulation and purification systems that permitted to reach impressive results in terms of LAr purity thus representing a milestone for any project involving LAr and developments at higher LAr mass scale.

Adaptive center determination for effective suppression of ring artifacts in tomography images

Ring artifacts on tomogram slices hinder image interpretation. They are caused by minor variation in the response from individual elements in a two dimensional (2D) X-ray detector. Polar space decreases the suppression complexity by transforming the rings on the tomogram slice to linear stripes. However, it requires that the center of rings lie at the origin of polar transformation. If this is not the case, all methods employing polar space become ineffective. We developed a method based on Gaussian localization of the ring center in Hough parameter space to assign the origin for the polar transformation. Thus, obtained linear stripes can be effectively suppressed by already existing methods. This effectively suppresses ring artifacts in the data from a variety of experimental setups, sample types and also handles tomograms that are previously cropped. This approach functions automatically, avoids the need for assumptions and preserves fine details, all critical for synchrotron based nanometer resolution tomography.

Cold neutron diffraction contrast tomography of polycrystalline material.

Traditional neutron imaging is based on the attenuation of a neutron beam through scattering and absorption upon traversing a sample of interest. It offers insight into the sample's material distribution at high spatial resolution in a non-destructive way. In this work, it is expanded to include the diffracted neutrons that were ignored so far and obtain a crystallographic distribution (grain mapping). Samples are rotated in a cold neutron beam of limited wavelength band. Projections of the crystallites formed by the neutrons they diffract are captured on a two dimensional imaging detector. Their positions on the detector reveal their orientation whereas the projections themselves are used to reconstruct the shape of the grains. Indebted to established synchrotron diffraction contrast tomography, this 'cold neutron diffraction contrast tomography' is performed on recrystallized aluminium for experimental comparison between both. Differences between set-up and method are discussed, followed by the application range in terms of sample properties (crystallite size and number, mosaicity and typical materials). Neutron diffraction contrast tomography allows to study large grains in bulky metallic structures.

X-ray tomography of large wooden artworks: the case study of "Doppio corpo" by Pietro Piffetti

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is now used in the cultural heritage field because it is non-invasive and it can give a large amount of information on the inner structure of the object under study. Until recently mainly medical CT scanners or micro-CT setups have been used, limiting the analysis to relatively small artworks or requiring multiple acquisition and difficult image-joining for objects larger than detector dimensions. To overcome the limitations of ordinary CT devices, a facility for the X-ray tomography of large size artefacts has recently been designed and installed in a protected area of the Fondazione Centro Conservazione e Restauro "La Venaria Reale", a Centre for Preservation and Restoration. This facility, based on a X-ray source, a linear X-ray detector and a high precision mechanical system, has been and will be used to gather information on materials, manufacturing techniques and conservative conditions of artworks undergoing the restoration process. In this paper the results of the tomography of the first analyzed large artistic object are presented, giving an idea of the wealth of information obtained from the CT scan. The presented artwork is the writing cabinet called "doppio corpo", a masterpiece of furniture more than 3 m high, inlaid for Savoy Residences by Pietro Piffetti, the most famous cabinet-maker in Piedmont in the XVIII century. The artwork is now housed in the Quirinale Palace, the official residence of the Italian President in Rome. The CT analysis permitted us to obtain valuable information about the conservative conditions, the presence of previous interventions, the distribution of various materials and the dimensions and arrangement of several wooden pieces, thus allowing for interesting hypotheses about the building technique of this masterpiece.

Unruh-DeWitt detector response across a Rindler firewall is finite

We investigate a two-level Unruh-DeWitt detector coupled to a massless scalar field or its proper time derivative in $(1+1)$-dimensional Minkowski spacetime, in a quantum state whose correlation structure across the Rindler horizon mimics the stationary aspects of a firewall that Almheiri et al have argued to ensue in an evaporating black hole spacetime. Within first-order perturbation theory, we show that the detector's response on falling through the horizon is sudden but finite. The difference from the Minkowski vacuum response is proportional to $\omega^{-2}\ln(|\omega|)$ for the non-derivative detector and to $\ln(|\omega|)$ for the derivative-coupling detector, both in the limit of a large energy gap $\omega$ and in the limit of adiabatic switching. Adding to the quantum state high Rindler temperature excitations behind the horizon increases the detector's response proportionally to the temperature; this situation has been suggested to model the energetic curtain proposal of Braunstein et al. We speculate that the $(1+1)$-dimensional derivative-coupling detector may be a good model for a non-derivative detector that crosses a firewall in $3+1$ dimensions.

A 3D CZT High Resolution Detector for X-and gamma-ray applications.

A high resolution three dimensional (3D) position sensitive CdZnTe-based detector was developed to detect high energy photons (10 keV-1MeV). The design of the 3D CZT detector, developed at DTU Space, is based on the CZT Drift Strip detector principle. The prototype detector contains 12 drift cells, each comprising one collecting anode strip with 3 drift strips, biased such that the electrons are focused and collected by the anode strips. The anode pitch is 1.6mm. The position determination perpendicular to the anodes, the X-direction, is performed using a novel interpolating technique. The position determination along the detector depth direction, Y-direction, is made using the depth sensing technique. The position determination along the anode strips, Z-direction is made with the help of 10 cathode strips orthogonal to the anode strips. REDLEN CZT crystals (20 mm x 20 mm x 5 mm) were used for the proto type detectors. IMEM-CNR fabricated the proto type detectors using a special surface treatment method and electrode attachment process. A novel method was applied to reduce the surface leakage current between the strips. The proto type detector was investigated at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble which provided a fine 50 x 50 μm2 collimated X-ray beam covering an energy band up to 600 keV. At 400 keV we measured position resolutions of 0.2 mm FWHM in the X- and Y-direction and 0.6 mm FWHM in the Z-direction. The measured energy resolution of the detector was ~5.5 keV FWHM at 400 keV. The electronic noise contribution of the detector setup was 3.7 keV FWHM . The detector provides 3D position with very good spatial resolution as well as high resolution energy information and is therefore a well suited candidate e.g. as a Compton telescope detector, or for any application fields (medicine, security, science) where imaging and spectroscopy of high energy photons in the 10keV-1MeV range are required.

High Speed, High Throughput Two Dimensional Direct Electron Detector Based on the Concept of pnCCDs

High Speed, High Throughput Two Dimensional Direct Electron Detector Based on the Concept of pnCCDs

Monte Carlo Simulated the Detection Efficiency of Different H/R Ratio of NaI:Ti Crystal

We make use of Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the detection efficiency versus different H/R ratio of NaI:Tl detectors, and the volume of detector is constant. The energy of incident monoenergetic γ rays is 4.438 MeV, 1.331 MeV and 0.662 MeV emitted from AmO2Be,137Cs and60Co respectively. The size of NaI:Tl detector dimension is setted up to 20 groups of different radius (H) and height (R), whereas the volume of NaI:Tl crystal will not be changed. The result reveals that the detector efficiency dependence on H/R ratio of the NaI:Tl detector and the incident γ-photon energy. For very low H/R ratio, the detector efficiency increase rapidly and tend to be stable. We draw a conclusion that when the H/R ratio is approximately equal to 1.5, the incubation effect is more obvious, which contribute to the increase of detection efficiency. It is meaningful of the research, namely, it be beneficial to design the optimal dimension of detector for detecting γ rays of 4.438 MeV, 1.331 MeV and 0.662 MeV.

SU‐E‐T‐328: The Volume Effect Correction of Probe‐Type Dosimetric Detectors Derived From the Convolution Model

Purpose:To derive and introduce a new correction factor kV, the “volume effect correction factor”, that accounts for not only the dose averaging over the detector's sensitive volume but also the secondary electron generation and transport inclusive of the disturbance of the field of secondary electrons within the detector.Materials and Methods:Mathematical convolutions and Fourier's convolution theorem have been used. Monte Carlo simulations of photon pencil beams were performed using EGSnrc. Detector constructions were adapted from manufacturers' information.Results:For the calculation of kV, the three basic convolution kernels have to be taken into account: the dose deposition kernel KD(x) (fluence to dose), the photon fluence response kernel KM(x) (photon fluence to detector signal) and the “dose response kernel” K(x) (dose to detector signal). K(x) is calculated from FT[K(x)] = [1/sqrt(2”)]FT[KM(x)]/FT[KD(x)], where the magnitude of kV(x) can be thereby calculated for arbitrary photon beam profiles and the areanormalized K(x).Conclusions:n order to take into account for the dimensions of dosimetric detectors in narrow photon beams, the “volume effect correction factor” kV has been introduced into the fundamental equation of probe‐type dosimetry, and the convolution method has proven to be a method for the derivation of its numerical values. For narrow photon beams, whose width is comparable to the secondary electron ranges, kV can reach very high values, but it can be shown that the signals of small diamond detectors are well representing the absorbed dose to water averaged over the detector volume.

Two dimensional and linear scintillation detectors for fast neutron imaging — comparative analysis

The paper was aimed to compare performance capabilitiesof two types of scintillation detectors commonly used for fast neutronimaging: two dimensional and linear ones. Best-case values of quantumefficiency, spatial resolution and capacity were estimated for detectorswith plastic converter-screen in case of 14 MeV neutrons. For that therewere examined nuclear reactions produced in converter-screen by fastneutrons, spatial distributions of energy release of emerged chargedparticles and amplitude distributions of scintillations generated by theseparticles. The paper shows that the efficiency of the linear detector isessentially higher and this detector provides potentially better spatialresolution in comparison with the two dimensional detector. But, the twodimensional detector surpasses the linear one in capacity. The presentedresults can be used for designing radiographic fast neutron detectors withorganic scintillators.

Characterization of a module with pixelated CdTe detectors for possible PET, PEM and compton camera applications

We present the measurement of the energy resolution and the impact of charge sharing for a pixel CdTe detector. This detector will be used in a novel conceptual design for diagnostic systems in the field of nuclear medicine such as positron emission tomography (PET), positron emission mammography (PEM) and Compton camera. The detector dimensions are 10 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm and with a pixel pitch of 1 mm × 1 mm. The pixel CdTe detector is a Schottky diode and it was tested at a bias of -1000 V. The VATAGP7.1 frontend ASIC was used for the readout of the pixel detector and the corresponding single channel electronic noise was found to be σ < 2 keV for all the pixels. We have achieved an energy resolution, FWHM/Epeak, of 7.1%, 4.5% and 0.98% for 59.5, 122 and 511 keV respectively.The study of the charge sharing shows that 16% of the events deposit part of their energy in the adjacent pixel.