Hardening approach to use CMOS image sensors for fusion by inertial confinement diagnostics

A hardening method is proposed to enable the use of CMOS image sensors for Fusion by Inertial Confinement Diagnostics. The mitigation technique improves their radiation tolerance using a reset mode implemented in the device. The results obtained evidence a reduction of more than 70% in the number of transient white pixels induced in the pixel array by the mixed neutron and γ-ray pulsed radiation environment

Characteristic responses of a COTS CCD to α, β-, and neutron-induced triton radiations and strategies to reduce noise

The potential of commercially available CCDs to perform in-situ detection and spectroscopy of α radiation has been investigated. The CCDs used are Sony ICX825AL as part of an Ultrastar camera from Starlight Xpress, modified by BIC Technology Ltd.. The glass covering is removed and the CCD is covered with a thin, aluminised Mylar film to prevent light interacting with the device. Vertical streaks seen in images produced when exposed to a 210Po source provide a unique identifier for the presence of α radiation. The sizes of the clusters produced and intensities of the brightest pixel in each cluster have been used among other properties to distinguish between α and β- radiation, and noise caused by radiation damage in the CCD. It was found that the CCDs used are mostly insensitive to γ radiation. It is possible to detect neutrons using this device by covering the CCD with 6Li-enriched crystals and detecting the α particles and tritons produced by the interactions of neutrons with the 6Li. The properties of clusters produced by this method were also analysed and compared with the previous types of radiation. Distinguishing features were found for each type of radiation analysed. Simulations suggest that the cluster sizes will vary depending on the energy of the incoming radiation, but it was found that the cluster sizes from the two β- sources used could not be significantly separated, due to the small energy difference between them of 197 keV. Discrimination should still be possible for β- particles with a larger energy difference. Cluster sizes and streak lengths for α radiation should also vary depending on the energy of the incident α radiation. Annealing, cooling, and image processing techniques have been determined to mitigate the effects of radiation damage in these devices

Performance study of a novel 2D imaging beta detector for medical applications

openThe ISOLPHARM project is investigating a novel technology for producing beta-emitter radionuclides with high-purity mass selection at the SPES facility (LNL) to produce radiopharmaceuticals with high specific activity. The project currently focuses on Ag-111, a beta/gamma emitter with potential theranostic use. In this context, the Padova group is developing a new instrument to measure beta activity with high spatial resolution on planar cell cultures using the ALPIDE chips, MAPS detectors developed for the ITS of the ALICE experiment at CERN. The ALPIDE chips will be arranged in a compact planar geometry to create a detector that can measure beta radioactivity in close contact with planar cell cultures in slides or scaffolds, providing 2D activity images with high spatial resolution. This technology will have the potential to investigate the internalization of the ISOLPHARM radiopharmaceutical prototype for future in-vitro experiments. The performance and limits of the detector will be assessed through simulation of the whole system in GEANT4, providing insights into the design of the final setup and potential applications of this instrument.The ISOLPHARM project is investigating a novel technology for producing beta-emitter radionuclides with high-purity mass selection at the SPES facility (LNL) to produce radiopharmaceuticals with high specific activity. The project currently focuses on Ag-111, a beta/gamma emitter with potential theranostic use. In this context, the Padova group is developing a new instrument to measure beta activity with high spatial resolution on planar cell cultures using the ALPIDE chips, MAPS detectors developed for the ITS of the ALICE experiment at CERN. The ALPIDE chips will be arranged in a compact planar geometry to create a detector that can measure beta radioactivity in close contact with planar cell cultures in slides or scaffolds, providing 2D activity images with high spatial resolution. This technology will have the potential to investigate the internalization of the ISOLPHARM radiopharmaceutical prototype for future in-vitro experiments. The performance and limits of the detector will be assessed through simulation of the whole system in GEANT4, providing insights into the design of the final setup and potential applications of this instrument

Automating X-ray and neutron imaging applications with flexible automation

This dissertation advances the capability of autonomous manipulation systems for non-destructive testing applications, specifically computed tomography and radiography. Non-destructive testing is the inspection of a part that does not affect its future usefulness. Radiography and tomography technologies are used to detect material faults inaccessible to direct observation. An industrial 7 degree-of-freedom manipulator has been installed in various x-ray and neutron imaging facilities, including the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory, for imaging purposes. Inspection of numerous components manually is laborious and time consuming, and there is the risk of high radiation dose to the operator. As Low As Reasonably Achievable exposure can be significantly reduced by installing a robot in an x-ray or neutron imaging facility to perform part placement in the beam for radioactive parts and nuclear facilities. Automation has the additional potential benefit of improving part throughput by obviating the need for human personnel to move or exchange parts to be imaged and allowing for flexible orientation of the imaged object with respect to the x-ray or neutron beam. When the process is fully automated, it eliminates the need for a human to enter the beam area. The robot needs to meet certain performance requirements, including high repeatability, precision, stability, and accuracy. The robotic system must be able to precisely position and align parts, and parts need to be held still while the image is taken. Any movement of the specimen during exposure causes image blurring. Robotics and remote systems are an integral part of the ALARA approach to radiation safety. Robots increase the distance between workers and hazards and reduce time that workers must be exposed. Research performed aims to expand the role of automation at nuclear facilities by reducing the burden on human operators. The robot’s control system must manage collision detection, grasping, and motion planning to reduce the amount of time that an operator spends micro-managing such a system via tele-operation. The subject of this work includes modeling (in MCNP) and measuring flux, dose rates, and DPA rates of neutron imaging facilities to develop predictions of radiation flux, dose profiles, and radiation damage by examining neutron and gamma fields during operation. Dose and flux predictions provide users the means to simulate geometrical and material changes and additions to a facility, thus saving time, money, and energy in determining the optimal setup for the robotic system.Mechanical Engineerin