US9618632B2
Active / In Force
US
⏱️ 6.4 years remaining
Linear-response nanocrystal scintillators and methods of using the same
Assignee: Duke University
•
Filing: 2013-03-14
•
Granted: 2017-04-11
•
Expires: 2033-03-14
Abstract
Abstract Systems and devices incorporating radiation detection, and techniques and materials for improved radiation detection are provided that involve a nano-scintillator exhibiting a linear luminescent emission response to stimulating electromagnetic radiation. The nano-scintillator can include at least one nanocrystal comprising a rare earth element, a lanthanide dopant, and a spectator dopant, wherein the nanocrystal exhibits a linear luminescent emission response to stimulating electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths less than 100 nm. As one example, the nanocrystal is [Y 2-x 0 3 ; Eu x , Li y ], where x is 0.05 to 0.1 and y is 0.1 to 0.16, and has an average nanoparticle size of 40 to 70 nm. These nanocrystals can be fabricated through a glycine combustion method.
Inventors
- 👤 Ian N. STANTON
- 👤 Terry T. Yoshizumi
- 👤 Michael J. Therien
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 15:52
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/16; G01T1/20; G01T1/202; G01T1/2018; G01T1/20185; G01T1/20187
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A system comprising: a nano-scintillator exhibiting a linear or near linear luminescent emission response to stimulating electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths less than 100 nm; a light sensor configured to sense light emitted from the nano-scintillator; and a processor comprising: a data collection module configured to receive calibration data from the light sensor during a calibration mode, and generate a linear response equation from the calibration data; and a dose or energy determination module configured to convert response information received from the light sensor during normal operation into radiation information using the linear response equation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
94 words
A system comprising: a nano-scintillator exhibiting a linear or near linear luminescent emission response to stimulating electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths less than 100 nm; a light sensor configured to sense light emitted from the nano-scintillator; and a processor comprising: a data collection module configured to receive calibration data from the light sensor during a calibration mode, and generate a linear response equation from the calibration data; and a dose or energy determination module configured to convert response information received from the light sensor during normal operation into radiation information using the linear response equation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the nano-scintillator comprises at least one nanocrystal comprising a rare earth element, a lanthanide dopant, and a spectator dopant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 2 , wherein the lanthanide dopant percentage of the nano-scintillator is optimized for a highest scintillation to dose efficiency while maintaining a linear scintillation response to radiation dose or energy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 2 , wherein the spectator dopant percentage of the nano-scintillator is optimized for a highest scintillation to dose efficiency while maintaining a linear scintillation response to radiation dose or energy.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the calibration data comprise data received from exposure of the nano-scintillator material to a known radiation source with known energies during the calibration mode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 5 , wherein the known radiation source is between 0 and 100 MV, an x-ray source, and/or a gamma ray source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the nano-scintillator has a linear scintillation response to radiation energy from about 17 kV to about 180 kV.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the nano-scintillator has a linear scintillation response to radiation energy from about 0.18 MV to about 50 MV.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the nanocrystal is [Y 2-x O 3 ; Eu x , Li y ], where x is 0.05 to 0.15 and y is 0.1 to 0.25, with an average nanoparticle size of 40 to 70 nm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to calculate and output an average real-time dose, and total integrated dose for a duration of a period in time.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a communication interface configured to transmit a signal from the processor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system according to claim 11 , wherein the dose or energy determination module is further configured to output an alert from the communication interface in response to a determination that the radiation information exceeds a threshold.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2020-04-10 | 2020-10-10 | 2021-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2024-04-10 | 2024-10-10 | 2025-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2028-04-10 | 2028-10-10 | 2029-04-11 | $7700.00 | Pending Window |