INVESTIGATING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LARGE-VOLUME PVT SCINTILLATION DETECTORS IN THE RADIATION PORTAL MONITORS USING MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS

This paper presents the characteristics determination process of the large-size Polyvinyl Toluene (PVT) scintillation detectors using MCNP5 simulation code. The energy spectra using a 137Cs calibration source, absolute efficiency in the energy range of 50 ÷ 3000 keV, and the angular response of the EJ-200 50×50×5 cm3 and 25×25×5cm3 are investigated. The simulated energy spectra are in good agreement with the experimental spectra. The results of determining the absolute efficiency show that the EJ-200 50×50×5 cm3 and 25×25×5cm3 plastic detectors have detection efficiencies of 16,3% and 9,2%, respectively, at 10cm source-to-detector distance, and down to 0,6% and 0,17% at 100 cm source-to-detector distance. The angular responses of the detectors show that the detection efficiency value reached ≥ 90% of the maximum value with the incident angle less than 5π/6. The results can be applied in the process of design optimization of plastic-based radiation portal monitors.

Characterization of cost-efficient OPT101 PIN photodiode as relative dosimetry in diagnostic radiology: An IOT application

OPT101 photodiode sensor dosimetry properties were investigated for various parameters to observe its capability as a relative dosimeter. Its characterization was done with PTW semiconductor detector for diagnostic radiology as a benchmark. OPT101 presented excellent output linearity relative to dose measured by PTW semiconductor for energy dependency and reproducibility test. A significant high sensitivity was observed against dose rates and mean energies and linear response against different source-to-detector distance, SDD. Results suggest the use of an Arduino IDE microcontroller as potential of utilizing an IoT application in input/output communication with the sensor and data processing.

New Results on Radioactive Mixture Identification and Relative Count Contribution Estimation

Detecting nuclear materials in mixtures is challenging due to low concentration, environmental factors, sensor noise, source-detector distance variations, and others. This paper presents new results on nuclear material identification and relative count contribution (also known as mixing ratio) estimation for mixtures of materials in which there are multiple isotopes present. Conventional and deep-learning-based machine learning algorithms were compared. Realistic simulated data using Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) were used in our comparative studies. It was observed that a deep learning approach is highly promising.

Crystal orientation and detector distance effects on resolving pseudosymmetry by electron backscatter diffraction

Accurately indexing pseudosymmetric materials has long proven challenging for electron backscatter diffraction. The recent emergence of intensity-based indexing approaches promises an enhanced ability to resolve pseudosymmetry compared with traditional Hough-based indexing approaches. However, little work has been done to understand the effects of sample position and orientation on the ability to resolve pseudosymmetry, especially for intensity-based indexing approaches. Thus, in this work the effects of crystal orientation and detector distance in a model tetragonal ZrO2 (c/a = 1.0185) material are quantitatively investigated. The orientations that are easiest and most difficult to correctly index are identified, the effect of detector distance on indexing confidence is characterized, and these trends are analyzed on the basis of the appearance of specific zone axes in the diffraction patterns. The findings also point to the clear benefit of shorter detector distances for resolving pseudosymmetry using intensity-based indexing approaches.

Operational Optimization at Signalized Metering Roundabouts Using Cuckoo Search/Local Search Algorithm

A metering roundabout where traffic is controlled by traffic lights with phase times influenced by queue detector occupancy might be the solution to enhance performance when there are unbalanced traffic flows at roundabouts. There have, however, been minimal studies on how the distance of the queue detector from the stop line affects signal phase time durations and the queuing lengths. This research, therefore, seeks to develop a Cuckoo Search/Local search Algorithm using parameters such as arrival volumes, conflicting volumes, detector distance and phase time to investigate the relationship of signal setting, detector location and queuing formulations. Also, some additional statistical tests were performed for the fitness of the data. In order to conduct solid model validations, model output data was compared against the AIMSUN model. The results from the analyses demonstrated that the queue detector distance can affect phase time durations and vehicle queuing lengths on the controlling approach as well as queuing lengths on the metered approach. This study showed that, based on the study for the Old Belair Road roundabout in Adelaide, South Australia, the total queue length (controlling + metered) will be minimized when the detector is relocated at 209 meters from the roundabout stop line, giving longer phase green times and resulting in decreased intersection queuing lengths.

Precise Formation-Flying Telescope in Target-Centric Orbit: the Solar Case

We present the general concept of a telescope with optics and detectors mounted on two separate spacecrafts, in orbit around the telescope’s target (scopocentric or target-centric orbit), and using propulsion to maintain the Target-Optics-Detector alignment and Optics-Detector distance. Specifically, we study the case of such a telescope with the Sun as the target, orbiting at $\sim $ ∼ 1 AU. We present a simple differential acceleration budget for maintaining Target-Optics-Detector alignment and Optics-Detector distance, backed by simulations of the orbital dynamics, including solar radiation pressure and influence of the planets. Of prime interest are heliocentric orbits (such as Earth-trailing/leading orbits or Distant Retrograde Orbits), where thrust requirement to maintain formation is primarily in a single direction (either sunward or anti-sunward), can be quite minuscule (a few m/s/year), and preferably met by constant-thrust engines such as solar electric propulsion or even by solar sailing via simple extendable and/or orientable flaps or rudders.

On the Genesis of Artifacts in Neutron Transmission Imaging of Hydrogenous Steel Specimens

Hydrogen-charged supermartensitic steel samples were used to systematically investigate imaging artifacts in neutron radiography. Cadmium stencils were placed around the samples to shield the scintillator from excessive neutron radiation and to investigate the influence of the backlight effect. The contribution of scattered neutrons to the total detected intensity was investigated by additionally varying the sample-detector distance and applying a functional correlation between distance and intensity. Furthermore, the influence of the surface roughness on the edge effect due to refraction was investigated.