Single-sided CZT strip detectors

We report progress in the study of thick CZT strip detectors for 3-D imaging and spectroscopy and discuss two approaches to device design. Unlike double-sided strip detectors, these devices feature both row and column contacts implemented on the anode surface. This electron-only approach circumvents problems associated with poor hole transport in CZT that normally limit the thickness and energy range of double-sided strip detectors. The work includes laboratory and simulation studies aimed at developing compact, efficient, detector modules for 0.05 to 1 MeV gamma radiation measurements while minimizing the number and complexity of the electronic readout channels. These devices can achieve similar performance to pixel detectors for both 3-D imaging and spectroscopy. The low channel count approach can significantly reduce the complexity and power requirements of the readout electronics. This is particularly important in applications requiring large area detector arrays. We show two single-sided strip detector concepts. One, previously reported, features rows established with collecting contacts and columns with noncollecting contacts. Another, introduced here, operates on a charge sharing principle and establishes both rows and columns with collecting contacts on the anode surface. In previous work using the earlier strip detector concept we reported simulations and measurements of energy and spatial resolution for prototype 5- and 10-mm-thick CZT detectors. We now present the results of detection efficiency and uniformity measurements conducted on 5-mm-thick detectors using a specific configuration of the front-end electronics and event trigger. We discuss the importance of the detector fabrication processes when implementing this approach

LCF Life of NiCr-Y Coated Disk Alloys After Shot Peening, Oxidation and Hot Corrosion

In a prior companion study (Ref. 1), three different Ni-Cr coating compositions (29, 35.5, 45 wt% Cr) were applied at two thicknesses by Plasma Enhanced Magnetron Sputtering (PEMS) to two similar Ni-based disk alloys. One coating also received a thin ZrO2 overcoat. The low cycle fatigue (LCF) life of each coating was determined at 760 C and was less than that of the uncoated specimens. In this followon effort, shot peening was examined as a means to improve the as-deposited coating morphology as well as impart a residual compressive stress in the near-surface region. After evaluating the effect of the shot peening on the LCF life, the effectiveness of the shot-peened coating in protecting the disk alloy from oxidation and hot corrosion attack was evaluated. This evaluation was accomplished by exposing coated and shot-peened specimens to 500 h of oxidation followed by 50 h of hot corrosion, both at 760 C in air. These exposed specimens were then tested in fatigue and compared to similarly treated and exposed uncoated specimens. For all cases, shot peening improved the LCF life of the coated specimens. More specifically, the highest Cr coating showed the best LCF life of the coated specimens after shot peening, as well as after the environmental exposures. Characterization of the coatings after shot peening, oxidation, hot corrosion and LCF testing is presented and discussed

Readout and performance of thick CZT strip detectors with orthogonal coplanar anodes

We report progress in the study of CZT strip detectors featuring orthogonal coplanar anode contacts. The work includes laboratory and simulation studies aimed at optimizing and developing compact, efficient, high performance detector modules for 0.05 to 1 MeV gamma radiation measurements. The novel coplanar anode strip configuration retains many of the performance advantages of pixel detectors yet requires far fewer electronic channels to perform both 3-d imaging and spectroscopy. We report on studies aimed at determining an optimum configuration of the analog signal processing electronics to employ with these detectors. We report measurements of energy and spatial resolution in three dimensions for prototype 5 and 10 mm thick CZT detectors using a set of shaping and summing amplifiers

Development of CZT strip detector modules for 0.05- to 1-MeV gamma-ray imaging and spectroscopy

We report progress in our study of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) strip detectors featuring orthogonal coplanar anode contacts. We specifically report on the performance, characterization and stability of 5 and 10 mm thick prototype CZT detectors fabricated using material from several manufacturers. Our ongoing work includes laboratory and simulation studies aimed at optimizing and developing compact, efficient, high performance detector modules for 0.05 to 1 MeV gamma radiation measurements with space-based instrumentation. The coplanar anode strip configuration retains many of the performance advantages of pixel detectors yet requires far fewer electronic channels to perform both 3-d imaging and spectroscopy. Minimizing the channel count is important for large balloon or space instruments including coded aperture telescopes (such as MARGIE or EXIST) and Compton imaging telescopes (such as TIGRE or ACT). We also present plans for developing compact, space qualified imaging modules designed for integration into closely packed large area detector arrays. We discuss issues associated with detector module and array electronics design and development

Stochastic Electron Acceleration by Cascading Fast Mode Waves in Impulsive Solar Flares

We present a model for the acceleration of electrons from thermal to ultrarelativistic energies during an energy release fragment in an impulsive solar flare. Long-wavelength low-amplitude fast mode waves are assumed to be generated during the initial flare energy release (by, for example, large-scale restructuring of the magnetic field). These waves nonlinearly cascade to higher wavenumbers and eventually reach the dissipation range, whereupon they are transit-time damped by electrons in the tail of the thermal distribution. The electrons, in turn, are energized out of the tail and into substantially higher energies. We find that for turbulence energy densities much smaller than the ambient magnetic field energy density and comparable to the thermal particle energy density, and for a wide range of initial wavelengths, a sufficient number of electrons are accelerated to hard X-ray-producing energies on observed timescales. We suggest that MHD turbulence unifies electron and proton acceleration in impulsive solar flares, since a preceding study established that a second MHD mode (the shear Alfven wave) preferentially accelerates protons from thermal to gamma-ray line-producing energies

New perspectives on ACL injury: On the role of repetitive subâ maximal knee loading in causing ACL fatigue failure

In this paper, we review a series of studies that we initiated to examine mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the hope that these injuries, and their sequelae, can be better prevented. First, using the earliest in vitro model of a simulated singleâ leg jump landing or pivot cut with realistic knee loading rates and transâ knee muscle forces, we identified the worstâ case dynamic knee loading that causes the greatest peak ACL strain: Combined knee compression, flexion, and internal tibial rotation. We also identified morphologic factors that help explain individual susceptibility to ACL injury. Second, using the above knee loading, we introduced a possible paradigm shift in ACL research by demonstrating that the human ACL can fail by a sudden rupture in response to repeated subâ maximal knee loading. If that load is repeated often enough over a short time interval, the failure tended to occur proximally, as observed clinically. Third, we emphasize the value of a physical exam of the hip by demonstrating how limited internal axial rotation at the hip both increases the susceptibility to ACL injury in professional athletes, and also increases peak ACL strain during simulated pivot landings, thereby further increasing the risk of ACL fatigue failure. When training atâ risk athletes, particularly females with their smaller ACL crossâ sections, rationing the number and intensity of worstâ case knee loading cycles, such that ligament degradation is within the ACL’s ability to remodel, should decrease the risk for ACL rupture due to ligament fatigue failure.© 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2059â 2068, 2016.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135588/1/jor23441.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135588/2/jor23441_am.pd