US3603793A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radiation detector solid state radiation detection using an insulator between the emitter and collector
Assignee: Babcock and Wilcox Co
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Filing: 1969-08-01
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1989-08-01
Abstract
Abstract An improved radiation detector which affords a prompt response to changes in the neutron and gamma flux incident upon a ytterbium emitter by using a thickness of insulator between the emitter and collector that is sufficient to absorb delayed electrons emitted at a lower energy level from the emitter and yet allow prompt electrons emitted at a higher energy level from the emitter to reach the collector. By thus eliminating the delayed electrons, the signal output current of the detector represents the instantaneous value of the incident neutron and/or gamma flux.
Inventors
- 👤 Holland D Warren
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:32
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T3/00; G01T3/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
In a radiation detector having an emitter, a collector and an insulator interposed between such emitter and collector, the improvement which comprises an emitter made of a material which when bombarded by neutrons emits prompt electrons and delayed electrons in respective quantities each indicative of the intensity of the neutron flux, said delayed electrons being emitted at a primary energy level less than that of the prompt electrons, and an insulator having a thickness sufficient to absorb said lower energy delayed electrons and yet allow the higher energy prompt electrons to reach the collector to establish a signal output collector current constituted substantially entirely by said prompt electrons and representing the instantaneous value of neutron flux interacting with the emitter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
In a radiation detector having an emitter, a collector and an insulator interposed between such emitter and collector, the improvement which comprises an emitter made of a material which when bombarded by neutrons emits prompt electrons and delayed electrons in respective quantities each indicative of the intensity of the neutron flux, said delayed electrons being emitted at a primary energy level less than that of the prompt electrons, and an insulator having a thickness sufficient to absorb said lower energy delayed electrons and yet allow the higher energy prompt electrons to reach the collector to establish a signal output collector current constituted substantially entirely by said prompt electrons and representing the instantaneous value of neutron flux interacting with the emitter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said emitter is made of ytterbium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said emitter is made of hafnium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement according to claim 2 wherein said collector is disposed in coaxially surrounding relation to said emitter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The improvement according to claim 4 wherein said insulator is a layer of magnesium oxide coaxially surrounding said emitter and coaxially surrounded by said collector, and having a radial thickness within the range 0.020 inch to 0.025 inch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
140 words
In a radiation detector having an emitter, a collector and an insulator interposed between such emitter and collector, the improvement which comprises an emitter made of a material which when bombarded concurrently by neutrons and gamma rays emits prompt electrons in a quantity indicative of the combined neutron and gamma ray flux intensities, and emits delayed electrons in a quantity indicative of the neutron flux intensity, said delayed electrons being emitted at a primary energy level less than that of the prompt electrons, and an insulator having a thickness sufficient to absorb said lower energy delayed electrons and yet allow the higher energy prompt electrons to reach the collector to establish a signal output collector current constituted substantially entirely by said prompt electrons and representing the instantaneous value of the combined neutron and gamma radiation flux interacting with the emitter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
140 words
In a radiation detector having an emitter, a collector and an insulator interposed between such emitter and collector, the improvement which comprises an emitter made of a material which when bombarded concurrently by neutrons and gamma rays emits prompt electrons in a quantity indicative of the combined neutron and gamma ray flux intensities, and emits delayed electrons in a quantity indicative of the neutron flux intensity, said delayed electrons being emitted at a primary energy level less than that of the prompt electrons, and an insulator having a thickness sufficient to absorb said lower energy delayed electrons and yet allow the higher energy prompt electrons to reach the collector to establish a signal output collector current constituted substantially entirely by said prompt electrons and representing the instantaneous value of the combined neutron and gamma radiation flux interacting with the emitter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |