Silicon Photomultiplier-Based Multi-Channel Gamma Ray Detector Using the Dynamic Time-Over-Threshold Method

The spatial resolution of gamma‐ray logs is defined by the length 𝓁 of the gamma‐ray detector. To resolve thin beds whose thickness is less than 𝓁, it is generally desirable to deconvolve the data to reduce the averaging effect of the detector. However, inherent in the deconvolution operation is an amplification of high‐frequency noise, which can be a detriment to the intended goal of increased resolution. We propose a Bayesian statistical approach to gamma‐ray log deconvolution which is based on optimization of a probability function which takes into account the statistics of gamma‐ray log measurements as well as the empirical information derived from the data. Application of this method to simulated data and to field measurements shows that it is effective in suppressing high‐frequency noise encountered in the deconvolution of gamma‐ray logs. In particular, a comparison with the least‐squares deconvolution approach indicates that the incorporation of physical and statistical information in the Bayesian optimization process results in optimal filtering of the deconvolved results.

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Compact lightweight imager of both gamma rays and neutrons based on a pixelated stilbene scintillator coupled to a silicon photomultiplier array

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83530-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jihwan Boo ◽

Mark D. Hammig ◽

Manhee Jeong

Keyword(s):

Gamma Rays ◽

Gamma Ray ◽

Sampling Rate ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Pulse Shape Discrimination ◽

Nuclear Materials ◽

Silicon Photomultiplier ◽

Analog To Digital ◽

Particle Imaging ◽

Imaging Plane

AbstractDual particle imaging, in which both neutrons and gamma-rays in the environment can be individually characterized, is particularly attractive for monitoring mixed radiation emitters such as special nuclear materials (SNM). Effective SNM localization and detection benefits from high instrument sensitivity so that real-time imaging or imaging with a limited number of acquired events is enabled. For portable applications, one also desires a dual particle imager (DPI) that is readily deployable. We have developed a hand-held type DPI equipped with a pixelated stilbene-silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array module and low sampling-rate analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) processed via a multiplexed readout. The stilbene-SiPM array (12 × 12 pixels) is capable of effectively performing pulse shape discrimination (PSD) between gamma-ray and neutron events and neutron/gamma-ray source localization on the imaging plane, as demonstrated with 252Cf neutron/gamma and 137Cs gamma-ray sources. The low sampling rate ADCs connected to the stilbene-SiPM array module result in a compact instrument with high sensitivity that provides a gamma-ray image of a 137Cs source, producing 6.4 μR/h at 1 m, in less than 69 s. A neutron image for a 3.5 × 105 n/s 252Cf source can also be obtained in less than 6 min at 1 m from the center of the system. The instrument images successfully with field of view of 50° and provides angular resolution of 6.8°.

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