Patents by Inventor Zilu Zhou
Zilu Zhou has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240114612Abstract: A method includes operating a neutron generator in a loading mode by ionizing ionizable gas within an ion source of the neutron generator to create a plurality of ions, and accelerating the plurality of ions by providing a first voltage to a target rod that supports the target to create a first ion beam that bombards a target of the neutron generator. The method also includes operating the neutron generator in a generating mode to generate a plurality of neutrons by accelerating the plurality of ions by providing a second voltage to the target rod to create a second ion beam that bombards the target. The second voltage is greater than the first voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2022Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Zilu ZHOU, Weijun GUO
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Publication number: 20230380046Abstract: A neutron generator with an ion source within a housing may be used for generating neutrons for neutron logging downhole in a wellbore. The ion source within the housing of the neutron generator may include a hot cathode, an ion source cylinder, a first grid separated from the ion source cylinder, and an extractor separated from the ion source cylinder, the extractor having a second grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2022Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Zilu Zhou, Weijun Guo
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Publication number: 20230350094Abstract: A downhole neutron generator includes a housing, a gas reservoir positionable within the housing, a target rod positionable within the housing and having a longitudinal axis aligned with a central axis of the housing, an ion source positionable adjacent to the gas reservoir and between the target rod and the gas reservoir, and a target positionable on a surface of the target rod facing the ion source. The target includes a first metal layer on the surface of the target rod and a second metal layer positionable adjacent to the first metal layer facing the ion source. The second metal layer is a scandium layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Zilu Zhou, Weijun Guo
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Patent number: 10408969Abstract: Devices and methods for a rugged semiconductor radiation detector are provided. The semiconductor detector may include a hermetically sealed housing and a semiconductor disposed within the housing that has a first surface and a second surface opposite one another. A first metallization layer may at least partially cover the first surface of the semiconductor and a second metallization layer may at least partially cover the second surface of the semiconductor. The first metallization layer or the second metallization layer, or both, do not extend completely to an edge of the semiconductor, thereby providing a nonconductive buffer zone. This reduces electrical field stresses that occur when a voltage potential is applied between the first metallization layer and the second metallization layer and reduces a likelihood of electrical failure (e.g., due to arcing).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Frederic Gicquel, Olivier G. Philip, Christian Stoller, Zilu Zhou
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Publication number: 20190049620Abstract: Devices and methods for a rugged semiconductor radiation detector are provided. The semiconductor detector may include a hermetically sealed housing and a semiconductor disposed within the housing that has a first surface and a second surface opposite one another. A first metallization layer may at least partially cover the first surface of the semiconductor and a second metallization layer may at least partially cover the second surface of the semiconductor. The first metallization layer or the second metallization layer, or both, do not extend completely to an edge of the semiconductor, thereby providing a nonconductive buffer zone. This reduces electrical field stresses that occur when a voltage potential is applied between the first metallization layer and the second metallization layer and reduces a likelihood of electrical failure (e.g., due to arcing).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Frederic Gicquel, Olivier G. Philip, Christian Stoller, Zilu Zhou
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Patent number: 10145979Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley Albert Roscoe, James A. Grau, Zilu Zhou, Kenneth E. Stephenson, Markus Berheide
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Patent number: 10120099Abstract: Devices and methods for a rugged semiconductor radiation detector are provided. The semiconductor detector may include a hermetically sealed housing and a semiconductor disposed within the housing that has a first surface and a second surface opposite one another. A first metallization layer may at least partially cover the first surface of the semiconductor and a second metallization layer may at least partially cover the second surface of the semiconductor. The first metallization layer or the second metallization layer, or both, do not extend completely to an edge of the semiconductor, thereby providing a nonconductive buffer zone. This reduces electrical field stresses that occur when a voltage potential is applied between the first metallization layer and the second metallization layer and reduces a likelihood of electrical failure (e.g., due to arcing).Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATONInventors: Frederic Gicquel, Olivier G. Philip, Christian Stoller, Zilu Zhou
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Publication number: 20170205529Abstract: Devices and methods for a rugged semiconductor radiation detector are provided. The semiconductor detector may include a hermetically sealed housing and a semiconductor disposed within the housing that has a first surface and a second surface opposite one another. A first metallization layer may at least partially cover the first surface of the semiconductor and a second metallization layer may at least partially cover the second surface of the semiconductor. The first metallization layer or the second metallization layer, or both, do not extend completely to an edge of the semiconductor, thereby providing a nonconductive buffer zone. This reduces electrical field stresses that occur when a voltage potential is applied between the first metallization layer and the second metallization layer and reduces a likelihood of electrical failure (e.g., due to arcing).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2015Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Frederic Gicquel, Olivier G. Philip, Christian Stoller, Zilu Zhou
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Publication number: 20170184759Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Bradley Albert Roscoe, James A. Grau, Zilu Zhou, Kenneth E. Stephenson, Markus Berheide
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Patent number: 9599729Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley Albert Roscoe, James A. Grau, Zilu Zhou, Kenneth E. Stephenson, Markus Berheide
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Patent number: 9230772Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for ion generation. One such device includes a substrate. The substrate is disposed within a housing that is configured to contain a gas. The substrate includes an interior surface that at least partially defines an interior volume. The substrate also includes a number of channels with walls. Nano-tips are disposed on the walls of the channels.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Zilu Zhou, Joyce Wong
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Patent number: 9217793Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting radiation-of-interest, such as neutron radiation, employs a gas chamber, a gas that responds to ionizing particles by producing electrons and ions, a cathode that attracts ions, and a supporting layer with a conductive pathway. The conductive pathway collects electrons and responds to electrons that drift towards the conductive pathway by inducing production of further electrons and ions within the gas. The electrons that are collected at the conductive pathway and/or the ions that drift away from the conductive pathway will induce an electrical signal, which can be used to detect the radiation-of-interest.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Zilu Zhou, Bradley A. Roscoe, Markus Berheide, Joshua Wayne Gibson
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Patent number: 9142383Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for X-ray monitoring. Various embodiments of the present disclosure use a target that incorporates a monitor layer. The monitor layer is disposed adjacent to a target layer so that electrons that pass through the target layer enter the monitor layer. As electrons enter the monitor layer, electrical charge is generated within the monitor layer. This electrical charge is measured and used to determine a characteristic of the X-ray generation within the target layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Zilu Zhou, Joel Lee Groves
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Publication number: 20150241577Abstract: A combined thermal neutron and epithermal neutron radiation detector includes a plurality of neutron detecting elements arranged such that a first set of the detecting elements is disposed closer to a source of neutron flux scatted from a material or formation to be analyzed than a second set of detecting elements. The neutron detecting elements have a material therein susceptible to capture of thermal neutrons for detection. Signal outputs of the first set of are interconnected and signal outputs of the second set are separately interconnected to provide a signal output corresponding to each of thermal neutron flux and epithermal neutron flux entering the detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2014Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: Timothy Spillane, Zilu Zhou, Markus Berheide, Bradley Roscoe
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Publication number: 20150076337Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Bradley Albert Roscoe, James A. Grau, Zilu Zhou, Kenneth E. Stephenson, Markus Berheide
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Patent number: 8901483Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Bradley Albert Roscoe, James A. Grau, Zilu Zhou, Kenneth E. Stephenson, Markus Berheide
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Publication number: 20140117246Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting radiation-of-interest, such as neutron radiation, employs a gas chamber, a gas that responds to ionizing particles by producing electrons and ions, a cathode that attracts ions, and a supporting layer with a conductive pathway. The conductive pathway collects electrons and responds to electrons that drift towards the conductive pathway by inducing production of further electrons and ions within the gas. The electrons that are collected at the conductive pathway and/or the ions that drift away from the conductive pathway will induce an electrical signal, which can be used to detect the radiation-of-interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: ZILU ZHOU, BRADLEY A. ROSCOE, MARKUS BERHEIDE, JOSHUA WAYNE GIBSON
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Patent number: 8642944Abstract: A nuclear tool includes a tool housing; a neutron generator disposed in the tool housing; and a solid-state neutron monitor disposed proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator. A method for constructing a nuclear tool includes disposing a neutron generator in a tool housing; and disposing a solid-state neutron monitor proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Richard Saenger, Bradley A. Roscoe, Zilu Zhou, Christian Stoller
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Patent number: 8586913Abstract: Devices, methods, and related systems are described for measuring a property of a fluid, including density, in a subterranean environment. A device includes a pressure housing having one or more windows formed in the pressure housing and a flow device arranged in the pressure housing for the fluid to flow through the flow device. Further, a radiation source is mounted within the pressure housing approximate a first source window configured to generate particles into the fluid. The device includes a detector supported by the pressure housing and positioned approximate a first detector window of the one or more windows. The first detector window is located between the detector and the flow device. The detector can be a solid state beta particle detector with a wide band gap, such as the diamond detector, and the radiation source can be a beta particle source, such as a strontium 90 source.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Zilu Zhou, Christopher Harrison, Bradley A. Roscoe, Chloe Coleou, Douglas W. Grant
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Publication number: 20130287174Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for X-ray monitoring. Various embodiments of the present disclosure use a target that incorporates a monitor layer. The monitor layer is disposed adjacent to a target layer so that electrons that pass through the target layer enter the monitor layer. As electrons enter the monitor layer, electrical charge is generated within the monitor layer. This electrical charge is measured and used to determine a characteristic of the X-ray generation within the target layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Zilu ZHOU, Joel Lee GROVES