Abstract: A scintillator system is provided to detect the presence of fissile material and radioactive material. One or more neutron detectors include scintillator material, and are optically coupled to one or more wavelength shifting fiber optic light guide media that extend from the scintillator material to guide light from the scintillator material to a photosensor. An electrical output of the photosensor is connected to an input of a pre-amp circuit designed to provide an optimum pulse shape for each of neutron pulses and gamma pulses in the detector signals. Scintillator material as neutron detector elements can be spatially distributed with interposed moderator material. Individual neutron detectors can be spatially distributed with interposed moderator material. Detectors and moderators can be arranged in a V-shape or a corrugated configuration.

Abstract: This generator is equipped with a first alpha particle detector (32) for monitoring the neutrons which are emitted within a first solid angle. According to the invention it is in addition equipped with at least one second alpha particle detector (52) for monitoring the neutrons which are emitted within a second solid angle which is different from the first solid angle. The system allows an object (2) that is placed in the first solid angle to be analysed by means of one or more gamma radiation detectors (34) that are placed in the second solid angle.

Abstract: A system and method for a heterogeneous capture-gated neutron detector are disclosed. The system includes an inorganic hydrogenous scintillating layer configured to emit at least one collision photon when contacted with a neutron having an energy greater than a predetermined value. A neutron capture layer is located adjacent the inorganic or organic hydrogenous scintillating layer and configured to capture the neutron and emit at least one gamma ray. The inorganic or organic hydrogenous scintillating layer is further configured to emit at least one capture photon in response to the at least one gamma ray from the neutron capture layer. Detection of the collision photon and capture photon designate a detected and captured neutron.

Abstract: A method for controlling voltage applied to a photomultiplier used in a scintillation counter radiation detector includes determining numbers of voltage pulses having each of a plurality of predetermined amplitudes generated by the photomultiplier in response to radiation events being imparted to a scintillation detector. The numbers of voltage pulses at each of the predetermined amplitudes is conducted to a trained artificial neural network. The artificial neural network generates a signal corresponding to an amount of adjustment to the voltage applied to the photomultiplier.

Abstract: Moldable neutron sensitive compositions containing an inorganic scintillating component, and neutron capture component, and a moldable resin component, are described. They are prepared with optimized compositions for maximized thermal neutron sensitivity. Methods for preparing such compositions, and articles and radiation detectors made from them are described as well.

Abstract: The invention uses a series of combined passive neutron and gamma ray sensors systematically placed along a path of commercial traffic, for example an airport runway, combined with a pulsed source of low energy protons and deuterons. The pulsed source produces monoenergetic gamma rays and low energy (60 keV) neutrons. This pulsed source uses a pinch-reflex ion diode operated on a pulsed power generator to produce proton beams. These beams bombard a PTFE (Teflon) target to produce characteristic gamma-rays. These gamma rays would induce a fission reaction in any fissile material creating gamma rays and neutrons. The passive sensors located in the path of commercial traffic would sense both the resultant gamma and neutron products of the reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neutron detector for detection of neutrons in fields with significant ?- or ?-radiation, comprising a neutron sensitive scintillator crystal, providing a neutron capture signal being larger than the capture signal of 3 MeV ?-radiation, a semiconductor based photo detector being optically coupled to the scintillator crystal, where the scintillator crystal and the semiconductor based photo detector are selected so that the total charge collection time for scintillator signals in the semiconductor based photo detector is larger than the total charge collection time for signals generated by direct detection of ionizing radiation in the semiconductor based photo detector, the neutron detector further comprising a device for sampling the detector signals, a digital signal processing device, means which distinguish direct signals from the semiconductor based photo detector, caused by ?- or ?-radiation and being at least partially absorbed in the semiconductor based photo detector, from lig

Abstract: An instrument that will directly image the fast fission neutrons from a special nuclear material source has been described. This instrument can improve the signal to background compared to non imaging neutron detection techniques by a factor given by ratio of the angular resolution window to 4?. In addition to being a neutron imager, this instrument will also be an excellent neutron spectrometer, and will be able to differentiate between different types of neutron sources (e.g. fission, alpha-n, cosmic ray, and D-D or D-T fusion). Moreover, the instrument is able to pinpoint the source location.

Abstract: An efficient, large-area-detector and readout-system for combined sub-mm spatial imaging and time-of-flight spectrometry of fast and slow neutrons, as well as gamma-rays, capable of loss-free operation in mixed neutron-gamma fields of very high intensity.

Abstract: The characteristics of the phosphor ZnS:Ag,Cl which has a considerably high fluorescence yield in response to incident particles thus allowing for their easy detection are used as such and combined with the finding that the fluorescence components in the range of shorter wavelengths are short-lived, which led to an improvement of counting characteristics, hence allowing for high-rate measurements of particles. When B370 was used as an optical filter to pick up fluorescence components shorter than 450 nm, the decay time of short-lived fluorescence components could be reduced from 370 ns to 200 ns.

Abstract: A neutron detector has a volume of neutron moderating material and a plurality of individual neutron sensing elements dispersed at selected locations throughout the moderator, and particularly arranged so that some of the detecting elements are closer to the surface of the moderator assembly and others are more deeply embedded. The arrangement captures some thermalized neutrons that might otherwise be scattered away from a single, centrally located detector element. Different geometrical arrangements may be used while preserving its fundamental characteristics. Different types of neutron sensing elements may be used, which may operate on any of a number of physical principles to perform the function of sensing a neutron, either by a capture or a scattering reaction, and converting that reaction to a detectable signal. High detection efficiency, an ability to acquire spectral information, and directional sensitivity may be obtained.

Abstract: A neutron detector composed of a matrix of scintillating particles imbedded in a lithiated glass is disclosed. The neutron detector detects the neutrons by absorbing the neutron in the 6Li isotope which has been enriched from the natural isotopic ratio to a commercial ninety five percent. The utility of the detector is optimized by suitably selecting scintillating particle sizes in the range of the alpha and the triton. Nominal particle sizes are in the range of five to twenty five microns depending upon the specific scintillating particle selected.

Abstract: A well logging instrument includes a source of high energy neutrons arranged to bombard a formation surrounding the instrument. A scintillator sensitive to gamma radiation resulting from interaction of the high energy neutrons with the formation is disposed in the instrument. A neutron shielding material surrounds the scintillator. A neutron moderator surrounds the neutron shielding material. An amplifier is optically coupled to the scintillator.

Abstract: A method of detecting an activator, the method including impinging with an activator a receptor material lacking a photoluminescent material and generating a by-product of a radioactive decay due to the activator impinging the receptor material. The method further including, generating light from the by-product via the Cherenkov effect and identifying a characteristic of the activator based on the light.

Abstract: An integrated radiation detector having a pulse-mode operating photosensor optically coupled to a gamma sensing element and a neutron sensing element is disclosed. The detector includes pulse shape and processing electronics package that uses an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a charge to digital converter (QDC) to determine scintillation decay times and classify radiation interactions by radiation type. The pulse shape and processing electronics package determines a maximum gamma energy from the spectrum associated with gamma rays detected by the gamma sensing element to adaptively select a gamma threshold for the neutron sensing element. A light pulse attributed to the neutron sensing element is a valid neutron event when the amplitude of the light pulse is above the gamma threshold.

Abstract: A simple method is developed for detection of fast neutrons for systems of detection of radioactive materials, which does not involve moderator systems, operates on the real time scale and ensures high detection efficiency. The method includes conversion of the cascade of gamma-quanta formed as a result of inelastic scattering of neutrons in a converter material with high atomic number into a set of light scintillations by a scintillator, processing of signals obtained in recording of said scintillations, formation of counting pulses with frequency proportional to the neutron flux and their recording according to an appropriate algorithm. Inorganic scintillators with high effective atomic number are used, and, as converter materials for inelastic scattering of neutrons, materials with high atomic numbers are used, which are a constituent part of said inorganic scintillators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the remote, non-invasive detection or characterization of materials manifests a controlled temperature perturbation to the sample material location concurrently with sample interrogation by ionizing radiation and with detection of the response emission energy spectra. This configuration induces and detects Doppler effects manifested at the sample location, allowing material inventory and composition measurements, and allowing a comparative reduction of the exposure duration compared to other isothermal proportional count, coincidence count or spectral analysis techniques. The method and apparatus apply primarily to the detection of elements and isotopes in baggage handling, cargo inspection, chemical characterization, process control and geologic operations, though the method and apparatus are not restricted to these applications.

Abstract: A method of detecting an activator, the method including impinging with an activator a receptor material that includes a photoluminescent material that generates infrared radiation and generating a by-product of a nuclear reaction due to the activator impinging the receptor material. The method further includes generating light from the by-product via the Cherenkov effect, wherein the light activates the photoluminescent material so as to generate the infrared radiation. Identifying a characteristic of the activator based on the infrared radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is a radially symmetric imaging detector that measures an incident neutron's or gamma-ray's energy and identifies its source on an event-by-event basis.

Abstract: A scintillating material Cs(2-z)RbzLiLn(1-x)X6:xCe3+, where X is either Br or I, Ln is Y or Gd or Lu or Sc or La, where z is greater or equal to 0 and less or equal to 2, and x is above 0.0005 useful for detecting neutrons in a sample of radiation.

Abstract: A neutron detector composed of a matrix of scintillating particles imbedded in a lithiated glass is disclosed. The neutron detector detects the neutrons by absorbing the neutron in the lithium-6 isotope which has been enriched from the natural isotopic ratio to a commercial ninety five percent. The utility of the detector is optimized by suitably selecting scintillating particle sizes in the range of the alpha and the triton. Nominal particle sizes are in the range of five to twenty five microns depending upon the specific scintillating particle selected.

Abstract: A system and method for a heterogeneous capture-gated neutron detector are disclosed. The system includes an organic hydrogenous scintillating layer configured to emit at least one collision photon when contacted with a neutron having an energy greater than a predetermined value. A neutron capture layer is located adjacent the organic scintillating layer and configured to capture the neutron and emit at least one gamma ray. The organic scintillating layer is further configured to emit at least one capture photon in response to the at least one gamma ray from the neutron capture layer. Detection of the collision photon and capture photon designate a detected and captured neutron.

Abstract: Moldable neutron sensitive compositions containing an inorganic scintillating component, and neutron capture component, and a moldable resin component, are described. They are prepared with optimized compositions for maximized thermal neutron sensitivity. Methods for preparing such compositions, and articles and radiation detectors made from them are described as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective radiation detection includes a neutron detector that facilitates detection of neutron emitters, e.g. plutonium, and the like; a gamma ray detector that facilitates detection of gamma ray sources, e.g., uranium, and the like. The apparatus comprises a first light guide, optically coupled to a first optical detector; a second light guide, optically coupled to a second optical detector a sheet of neutron scintillator, opaque for incoming optical photons, said sheet of neutron scintillator sandwiched between the first and the second light guides. The second light guide comprises a gamma ray scintillator material.

Abstract: A scintillating material of the generic formula Cs(2?z)RbzLiLn(1?x)X6:xCe3+, where X is either Br or I, Ln is Y or Gd or Lu or Sc or La, where z is greater or equal to 0 and less or equal to 2, and x is above 0.0005 useful for detecting neutrons in a sample of radiation.

Abstract: A directional fast neutron detector having superposed layers of a hydrogenous non-scintillating material for generating recoil protons, a non-hydrogenous scintillating material for generating scintillations, and a non-hydrogenous non-scintillating barrier material, in which the layers are placed in a specific order at regular intervals and the composition and thickness of the layers can be varied in order to alter the efficiency and sensitivity of the system. The detector exhibits both intrinsic and geometric directionality. The intrinsic directionality will depend primarily on the materials selected and the thicknesses of the individual layers, while the geometric directionality will depend primarily on the size and shape of detector. The detector of the invention provides a compact, relatively easy to use, directional neutron detector for use in locating and monitoring special nuclear materials and other sources of fast neutrons.

Abstract: An efficient, large-area-detector and readout-system for combined sub-mm spatial imaging and time-of-flight spectrometry of fast and slow neutrons, as well as gamma-rays, capable of loss-free operation in mixed neutron-gamma fields of very high intensity.

Abstract: Composite scintillator material consisting of a binderless sintered mixture of a Lithium (Li) compound containing 6Li as the neutron converter and Y2SiO5:Ce as the scintillation phosphor, and the use of this material as a method for neutron detection. Other embodiments of the invention include various other Li compounds.

Abstract: A directional fast neutron detector having superposed layers of a hydrogenous non-scintillating material for generating recoil protons, a non-hydrogenous scintillating material for generating scintillations, and a non-hydrogenous non-scintillating barrier material, in which the layers are placed in a specific order at regular intervals and the composition and thickness of the layers can be varied in order to alter the efficiency and sensitivity of the system. The detector exhibits both intrinsic and geometric directionality. The intrinsic directionality will depend primarily on the materials selected and the thicknesses of the individual layers, while the geometric directionality will depend primarily on the size and shape of detector. The detector of the invention provides a compact, relatively easy to use, directional neutron detector for use in locating and monitoring special nuclear materials and other sources of fast neutrons.

Abstract: A directional neutron detector consisting of very thin plastic scintillation fibers and optically coupled to a photo-sensor array, where the directionality of Neutrons is estimated from the sequence of fibers traversed by the scattered protons and energy deposited in each one of them . Several fabrication methods of the large thin fiber arrays are described.

Abstract: A photon generating event capture system is configured to capture light photons. Image intensifiers are arranged to amplify light photons and sensors are arranged to capture the amplified light photons. A control system detects the amplification of light photons by the image intensifiers. Upon detecting amplification, the control system deactivates the image intensifiers to shutdown further light photon amplification and switches the sensors from a clear mode to an acquisition mode within a period of time less than a decay time of the image intensifiers. The locations and intensities of the amplified light photons are then captured and read out by the sensors. By operating the sensors in a clear mode prior to detecting amplification of light photons, noise recorded by the sensors prior to the detection of light photon amplification is either shifted out of the sensor prior to the photon generating event or is smeared across the sensor data.

Abstract: A two-dimensional detection system for neutron radiation is disclosed. The detection system includes a means (1) for emitting a neutron beam (10), a support means (2) adapted for receiving a sample (3), a photoemission means (5) adapted for being activated by a neutron radiation, and a cooled low light level charge-coupled detection device (7). The emission means (1) emits a monochromatic neutron beam (10). The system further includes a filter means (4), the filter means (4) being located between the support means (2) and the photoemission means (5) and being adapted for trapping at least a substantial part of the monochromatic neutron beam transmitted (12) by the sample (3), and an amplification means (6) located upstream the charge-coupled detection device (7) and coupled with the charge-coupled detection device (7).

Abstract: A multi-purpose efficient charge particle detector that by switching bias voltages measures either secondary ions, or secondary electrons (SE) from a sample, or secondary electrons that originate from back scattered electrons (SE3), is described. The basic version of the detector structure and two stripped down versions enable its use for the following detection combinations: The major version is for measuring secondary ions, or secondary electrons from the sample, or secondary electrons due to back-scattered electrons that hit parts other than the sample together or without secondary electrons from the sample. Measuring secondary ions or secondary electrons from the sample (no SE3). Measuring secondary electrons from the sample and/or secondary electrons resulting from back-scattered electrons hitting objects other than the sample (no ions).

Abstract: Dual modality detection devices and methods are provided for detecting nuclear material, the devices include a neutron detector including multiple neutron detection modules; and a gamma detector including multiple gamma detection modules, where the multiple neutron detection modules and the multiple gamma detection modules are integrated together in a single unit to detect simultaneously both gamma rays and neutrons.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to neutron detecting scintillators and related methods and devices. A neutron detecting scintillator includes a plurality of microcapillary tubes loaded with a scintillator composition comprising a plastic scintillator and a neutron absorbing material. The present invention additionally provides methods of producing a neutron detecting scintillator having a plurality of microcapillary tubes loaded with a scintillator composition comprising a plastic scintillator and a neutron absorbing material. The method includes preparing a solution comprising a monomer and a neutron absorbing element, introducing the solution into a microcapillary tube of the plurality, and polymerizing the solution within the microcapillary tube.

Abstract: An apparatus including a microchannel plate having a structure that defines multiple microchannels. The structure includes multiple claddings that form the walls of the microchannels, each of the claddings including a semiconducting layer. The claddings are surrounded by a glass having a lower percentage of materials having atomic numbers higher than 34 as compared to the cladding. The glass has a higher percentage of neutron absorbing material than the cladding, the neutron absorbing material capable of capturing neutrons in reactions that result in secondary electron emissions in the microchannels.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective radiation detection includes a neutron detector that facilitates detection of neutron emitters, e.g. plutonium, and the like; a gamma ray detector that facilitates detection of gamma ray sources, e.g., uranium, and the like. The apparatus comprises a first light guide, optically coupled to a first optical detector; a second light guide, optically coupled to a second optical detector a sheet of neutron scintillator, opaque for incoming optical photons, said sheet of neutron scintillator sandwiched between the first and the second light guides. The second light guide comprises a gamma ray scintillator material.

Abstract: A system for detecting fissile and fissionable material originating external to the system includes: a 6Li loaded glass fiber scintillator for detecting thermal neutrons, x-rays and gamma rays; a fast scintillator for detecting fast neutrons, x-rays and gamma rays, the fast scintillator conjoined with the glass fiber scintillator such that the fast scintillator moderates fast neutrons prior to their detection as thermal neutrons by the glass fiber scintillator; and a coincidence detection system for processing the time distributions of arriving signals from the scintillators.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for detecting hydrogeneous material on a ship's deck comprising a neutron source located below the surface of the ship's deck and emitting fast/energy-rich neutrons, and a detector device that is located below the surface of the ship's deck and detecting thermal neutrons. The invention further relates to a corresponding method of detecting hydrogeneous material on a ship's deck. Hereby an apparatus and a method are provided for detecting occurrences of water on a ship's deck, wherein these occurrences appear in particular when travelling in rough weather conditions. The apparatus being located below the ship's deck, it is consequently not exposed to wear due to rough weather conditions.

Abstract: A scintillator panel having a wavelength conversion member has some problems: lowered durability to be caused by an area not covered with a protective layer around a projection formed on the wavelength conversion member surface; lowered resolution response and CTF caused by an irregularity of the film thicknesses of wavelength conversion members and a variation in gaps between wavelength conversion members and sensor panels; and breakage of the sensor panel by projections when a radiation detector is formed by bonding the scintillator panel and sensor panel. At least one of these problems can be solved by a scintillator panel having projections on the wavelength conversion member surface whose sizes are reduced, and by a radiation detector having such a scintillator panel and a sensor panel bonded together.

Abstract: A two-dimensional ionising particle detector including a matrix of detecting fibers, each detecting fiber forming a pixel of the detector. Each detecting fiber is composed of a glass capillary filled with a liquid scintillator for which the chemical composition is chosen such that an average free path of primary scintillation photons is negligible compared with a diameter of the capillary. The detector is applicable, for example, to high resolution particle imagery.

Abstract: Radiation detectors, such as neutron detectors, and methods of detecting radiation, are described.

Abstract: A detector for use in imaging applications includes at least one detector array, an array of photodetectors, and a continuous light guide disposed between the detectors and the photodetectors. The light guide is continuous over the entire area of the photodetectors and detectors. The thickness of the light guide is optimized based on the shape of the photodetector array. Each detector array includes a plurality of scintillator elements disposed in an M×N array, where “M” and “N” are independently selectable and are each at least one. A mechanism for maintaining the relative positions of the individual scintillator elements with respect to each other is provided. The retainer is further provided to enhance the separation between the individual detector arrays to define distinct boundaries between the position profiles of the scintillator arrays.

Abstract: A detector system that combines a 6Li loaded glass fiber scintillation thermal neutron detector with a fast scintillation detector in a single layered structure. Detection of thermal and fast neutrons and ionizing electromagnetic radiation is achieved in the unified detector structure. The fast scintillator replaces the polyethelene moderator layer adjacent the 6Li loaded glass fiber panel of the neutron detector and acts as the moderator for the glass fibers. Fast neutrons, x-rays and gamma rays are detected in the fast scintillator. Thermal neutrons, x-rays and gamma rays are detected in the glass fiber scintillator.

Abstract: A flat-panel, quantum-limited x-ray imager for fluoroscopy is configured for converting very low levels of x-rays into electrical signals suitable for standard processing by a computer into real-time images, and comprises a screen for converting x-rays into visible light, a very fast demagnification lens system/array positioned behind the screen and configured to provide quantum-limited performance, and an array of CCD image sensors optically coupled, via the lens system, to the screen. The CCD sensors have a high signal-to-noise ratio and an onboard CCD amplification mechanism in the form of an extended section of “gain” register between the normal serial register and the final detection node or output amplifier. The sensors' sequential, internal electrodes are controlled by way of a clocking scheme that produces a slight and well-controlled avalanche multiplication (a slight gain) at each stage in the gain register.

Abstract: Applicant's present invention is a composite scintillator for neutron detection comprising a matrix material fabricated from an inorganic sol-gel precursor solution homogeneously doped with a liquid scintillating material and a neutron absorbing material. The neutron absorbing material yields at least one of an electron, a proton, a triton, an alpha particle or a fission fragment when the neutron absorbing material absorbs a neutron. The composite scintillator further comprises a liquid scintillating material in a self-assembled micelle formation homogeneously doped in the matrix material through the formation of surfactant-silica composites. The scintillating material is provided to scintillate when traversed by at least one of an electron, a proton, a triton, an alpha particle or a fission fragment. The scintillating material is configured such that the matrix material surrounds the micelle formation of the scintillating material.

Abstract: A neutron detecting scintillator that has a very short decay time, that can capture neutrons in high efficiency and that is composed of light elements comprises the Li2B4O7 single crystal or the 6Li and 11B or 10B enriched 6Li211B4O7 or 6Li210B4O7 single crystal, in which 6Li and 11B or 10B have large neutron capture cross sections and fluorescence that is emitted from an ionizing radiation generated through their neutron capture reaction has a short-lived component not longer than 10 ns.

Abstract: A single crystal scintillator with perovskite structure is described. The crystal is formed by crystallisation from the liquid and has the composition CexLu(1-x-z)AzAl(1-y)ByO3 where A is one or more of the elements selected from the group comprising Y, Sc, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, In, and Ga; and B is one or more of the following elements selected from the group comprising: Sc and Ga. The crystal scintillator exhibits a high density and a good scintillation response to gamma radiation.

Abstract: A neutron detector may include a neutron counter and a plurality of optical fibers peripherally arrayed around the counter. The optical fibers have thereon a layer of scintillator material, whereby an incident fast neutron can transfer kinetic energy to nuclei in one or more of the optical fibers to produce recoil protons. The recoil protons interact with the coating to produce scintillation light that is channeled along the optical fiber or fibers with which the neutron interacted. The slowed neutron passes into the neutron counter where the neutron effects generation of a signal coincident with the light produced in the optical fibers in which the neutron deposited energy.

Abstract: A 6Li doped glass scintillator sheet with grooves cut at given spacings in horizontal and vertical directions. Bundles of wavelength shifting fibers placed in the vertical grooves and fluorescence reflector buried in the horizontal grooves make a group of detection pixels. Neutron detecting media are provided on the top surface and bundles of wavelength shifting fibers are arranged horizontally on the bottom surface of the scintillator. Fluorescence generated by stimulation with the neutrons entering the detection pixels and with the neutrons incident on the neutron detecting media are detected by the wavelength shifting fibers. The detected fluorescence is converted to electric signals with a multi-channel photomultiplier tube, with pulse signals for simultaneous counting generated from a retriggerable, constant time-duration pulse generator and recorded as time-series data by parallel interfaces. The recorded data are analyzed by the simultaneous counting method to produce a two-dimensional neutron image.