US5281822A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Advanced neutron detector
Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corp
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Filing: 1990-07-11
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Granted: 1994-01-25
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Expires: 2010-07-11
Abstract
Abstract A neutron detector for use in high energy flux environments. Multiple stacked arrays of biased Si PIN diodes are provided with adjustable lower and upper energy detection thresholds. Shielding along the sides and back of the detector limits the sensing to along the forward line of sight of the detector, and a short time gate limits sensing of an individual cell to a single event.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Albrecht
- 👤 Stanley Schneider
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 19:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T3/00; G01T3/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A neutron detector comprising: a plurality of individual detector cells, each cell comprising means for capturing neutrons which produce alpha and proton emissions as a result of such capturing integrated with biased PIN diode means to collect said emissions and provide an electrical output indicative of the energy level of a neutron captured within the cell; means to collect the electrical outputs from each of the plurality of detector cells and provide an indication of the total number of neutrons captured by the plurality of detector cells; means to exclude the counting of neutrons below a lower energy threshold and above an upper energy threshold; and time gate means to limit the collection of the outputs to a pre-set time interval.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A neutron detector comprising: a plurality of individual detector cells, each cell comprising means for capturing neutrons which produce alpha and proton emissions as a result of such capturing integrated with biased PIN diode means to collect said emissions and provide an electrical output indicative of the energy level of a neutron captured within the cell; means to collect the electrical outputs from each of the plurality of detector cells and provide an indication of the total number of neutrons captured by the plurality of detector cells; means to exclude the counting of neutrons below a lower energy threshold and above an upper energy threshold; and time gate means to limit the collection of the outputs to a pre-set time interval.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The neutron detector of claim 1 wherein the cells are formed from silicon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The neutron detector of claim 1 wherein the lower energy threshold is about 8.5 Mev.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The neutron detector of claim 1 wherein the upper energy threshold is about 12 Mev.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The neutron detector of claim 1 wherein the width of the time interval is less than about 1 microsecond.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The neutron detector of claim 1 wherein the plurality of detector cells is covered on all surfaces except for that surface through which it is desired that neutrons enter by a neutron scattering shield means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The neutron detector of claim 6 wherein the neutron scattering shield means comprises a hydrocarbon energy moderator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The neutron detector of claim 1 wherein each of the cells is connected to its own fusible resistor means such that the resistor means will fuse open upon failure of the cell, thereby isolating it from the rest of the detector.
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) | 1997-01-24 | 1997-07-26 | 1998-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-24 | 2001-07-26 | 2002-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-24 | 2005-07-26 | 2006-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |