Abstract: An apparatus includes a near-field probe having loops or coils of electrically-conductive material, where the near-field probe is configured to generate a magnetic field. The apparatus also includes a power amplifier configured to drive the near-field probe. The apparatus further includes a shunt capacitance coupled in parallel across the loops or coils of the near-field probe. The shunt capacitance and an inductance of the loops or coils of the near-field probe form part of a resistive-inductive-capacitive (RLC) network. The RLC network is configured to transform a smaller resistance of the near-field probe into a larger resistance. In some cases, the apparatus may include multiple near-field probes coupled in series, and the power amplifier may be configured to drive the multiple near-field probes. For each near-field probe, the apparatus may include a shunt capacitance coupled in parallel across the loops or coils of the near-field probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-tuning a main Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) probe using a forward sensing probe include a determination of an amount of resonance detuning of the forward sensing probe caused by a moving object entering a field of view of the forward sensing probe. The amount of resonance detuning is used to pre-tune the main probe such that when the moving object enters a field of view of the main probe, the main probe will move back into tune while delivering optimal power to the object for measurement and identification of a material therein.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a near-field probe having loops or coils of electrically-conductive material, where the near-field probe is configured to generate a magnetic field. The apparatus also includes a power amplifier configured to drive the near-field probe. The apparatus further includes a shunt capacitance coupled in parallel across the loops or coils of the near-field probe. The shunt capacitance and an inductance of the loops or coils of the near-field probe form part of a resistive-inductive-capacitive (RLC) network. The RLC network is configured to transform a smaller resistance of the near-field probe into a larger resistance. In some cases, the apparatus may include multiple near-field probes coupled in series, and the power amplifier may be configured to drive the multiple near-field probes. For each near-field probe, the apparatus may include a shunt capacitance coupled in parallel across the loops or coils of the near-field probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-tuning a main Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) probe using a forward sensing probe include a determination of an amount of resonance detuning of the forward sensing probe caused by a moving object entering a field of view of the forward sensing probe. The amount of resonance detuning is used to pre-tune the main probe such that when the moving object enters a field of view of the main probe, the main probe will move back into tune while delivering optimal power to the object for measurement and identification of a material therein.

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 neutron detector comprises 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 low energy radiation detector for wireline applications and the like is provided with a housing made of carbon fiber and eopxy binder composite which is relatively transparent to x-radiation, while also being optically opaque and providing an hermetic enclosure for a scintillation crystal disposed inside the housing. Also disclosed is a neutron detector having such a housing.

Abstract: A thermal neutron detector comprises an inorganic scintillation crystal, an inner sleeve on said scintillation crystal and including boron-10, and an outer lead sleeve on said inner sleeve for shielding gamma rays from the inner layer. The boron-10 may be carried in a resiliently compressible silicone cast on the crystal to form a sleeve which functions to mechanically support the crystal inside a detector casing. The resiliently compressible, thermal neutron absorbing layer may also be used in other applications as a thermal neutron shield.