A detector for filtering γ-ray spectra from weak fusion–evaporation reactions out of strong background and for Doppler correction: The recoil filter detector, RFD

A detector has been designed and built to assist in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy with fusion–evaporation reactions. It measures with high efficiency the evaporation residues that recoil out of a thin target into the angular interval from 1.8° to 9.0° at an adjustable distance of 1000–1350 mm from a target, in coincidence with γ-rays detected in a Ge-detector array. This permits filtering of such γ-rays out of a much stronger background of other reaction products and scattered beam. Evaporation residues are identified by their time-of-flight and the pulse height using a pulsed beam. The velocity vector of the γ-emitting recoil is also measured in the event-by-event mode, facilitating to correct the registered γ-ray energy for the Doppler shift, with the resulting significant improvement of the energy resolution. The heavy-ion detection scheme uses emission of secondary electrons caused by the recoiling ions when hitting a thin foil. These electrons are then electrostatically accelerated and focused onto a small scintillator that measures the summed electron energy, which is proportional to the number of electrons. The detector is able to operate at high frequency of the order of 1 MHz and detect very heavy nuclei with as low kinetic energy as 5 MeV. The paper describes the properties of the detector and gives examples of measurements with the OSIRIS, GAREL+ and EUROBALL IV γ-ray spectrometers. The usefulness of the technique for spectroscopic investigations of nuclei with a continuous beam is also discussed.     

A pulse shape analysis algorithm for HPGe detectors

A pulse shape analysis (PSA) algorithm for segmented HPGe detectors is discussed and some test cases are analysed. The procedure allows the identification of the number of interactions inside a segment and their radial positions. An important characteristic of the algorithm is that it does not need the induced signals of the neighbouring segments as it is based on the comparison between the current pulse from the net charge collecting segment and a basis of reference signals. The calculation time that is required to analyse one event scales linearly with the number of interactions to disentangle. The efficiency of the algorithm for the correct identification of the number of interaction points and their radial position calculated for 600 keV γ-rays ranges from 65% to 95% depending on the complexity of the analysed event.     

Color centers and charge state recharge in γ-irradiated Yb:YAP

Gamma-ray irradiation induced color centers and charge state recharge of impurity and doped ion in 10 at.% Yb:YAP have been studied. The change in the additional absorption (AA) spectra is mainly related to the charge exchange of the impurity Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions. Two impurity color center bands at 255 and 313 nm were attributed to Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions, respectively. The broad AA band centered at 385 nm may be associated with the cation vacancies and F-type center. The transition Yb³⁺ → Yb²⁺ takes place in the process of γ-irradiation. Oxygen annealing and γ-ray irradiation lead to an opposite effect on the absorption properties of the Yb:YAP crystal. In the air annealing process, the transition Fe²⁺ → Fe³⁺ and Yb²⁺ → Yb³⁺ take place and the color centers responsible for the 385 nm band was destroyed.     

An experimental method for ripple minimization in transmission data for industrial X-ray computed tomography imaging system

Industrial Computed Tomographic (ICT) imaging systems based on X-rays require a high stability source. This emanates from the fact that in a computed tomographic imaging system, statistical variation inherent in the penetrating radiation used to probe the specimen, electronic noise generated in the detection system and reconstruction errors play an important role in the overall quality of the image. A conventional industrial X-ray machine used for routine radiography work is not suitable for tomographic imaging applications because of its output dose variations. In this paper, an experiment is described to utilise a general-purpose 160 kV constant potential industrial X-ray machine with significant ripple in its output beam, in an experimental Computed Industrial Tomographic Imaging System (CITIS) developed at Isotope Applications Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Studies carried out include the analysis of temporal profile of X-ray beam intensity and online averaging of detected signals for the minimization of periodic ripple, which mainly showed up, at the power line frequency. A tomographic image of a typical specimen, reconstructed with the processed projection data is analysed. It was observed that the mean value of reconstructed linear absorption coefficients and standard deviation computed over a window within a constant density region of the object were stable     

Bimodal Size Distribution and Shape Anisotropy in Ball-Milled Nano-Sized α-Al2O3

-Al₂O₃ prepared by combustion technique was ball-billed in a planetary mill in toluene medium at 300 rpm in ZrO₂ pot with a ball to powder ratio 10:1 for 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 hours. X-ray diffraction pattern from the milled materials showed super-Lorentzian peak shapes for -Al₂O₃ peak profiles. The super-Lorentzian peak shape has been attributed to the bimodal size distribution of the -Al₂O₃ particles. Rietveld analysis using two different phase fractions of -Al₂O₃ with different microstructural features yielded a low goodness-of-fit of the x-ray data indicating the suitability of the assumed model. The phase fraction of -Al₂O₃ particles with smaller size increases with the milling time. Further the particles shapes were observed to be cylindrical in this case with the cylinder axis along the crystallographic c-axis. The cylinder diameter and the length were obtained to be 86  and 140  respectively after 20 hrs of milling. The -Al₂O₃ particles of larger size are isotropic. It is, thus, proposed that milling induces bimodal size distribution in the initial hours of milling.     

A compressive sensing algorithm using truncated SVD for three-dimensional laser imaging of space-continuous targets

For traditional array 3-D laser radars, the resolution of the intensity image and range profile is limited by the number and accuracy of sensors. Moreover, for a space-continuous target, peak detection in the pulsed time of flight is no longer suitable for super-resolution reconstruction algorithms. Hence, a compressive sensing algorithm for 3-D laser imaging is proposed. A range observation matrix composed of time interval basis vectors is constructed to acquire the range information regarding a target. However, the range observation matrix is generally ill-posed owing to the spatial continuity of the target. To address this shortage, truncated singular value decomposition is utilized to extract the peak values of echo pulses for image reconstruction. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed algorithm.     

Composite detector for mixed radiations based on CsI(Tl) and dispersions of small ZnSe(Te) crystals

A new large area detector of high-energy X-ray and β-radiation has been designed and studied. A composite material based on small-crystalline ZnSe(Te) was applied onto the wide surface of a light guide. An experimental specimen has been prepared, which showed β-sensitivity . The spectrograms of a ⁹⁰Sr+⁹⁰Y β-source obtained with the specimen under study make it possible to evaluate the age of the source by the ratio of low- and high-energy regions of the spectrum.

The combined detector (CD) comprises a single crystalline plate of ZnSe(Te) placed onto the output window of a scintillating transparent light guide made of CsI(Tl) in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The CsI(Tl) light guide is used to create an additional channel for detection of γ-radiation, as well as for protecting the photodiode from the penetrating radiation. It is shown that introduction of the light guide does not worsen the energy resolution characteristics of ZnSe(Te). Separate detection of - and γ-radiation has been achieved under simultaneous excitation by ²³⁹Pu (ZnSe(Te), R=6%) and ²⁴¹Am (CsI(Tl), R_γ=20%). The use of selective optical filters allows separation of the peaks of total absorption (p.t.a.) in the case of their superposition.     

有限空间内三维声成像的简易算法

文章提出了一个可用于有限空间内三维声成像的简易算法。根据回声测距原理，得到有限空间中底面上所有采样点在三维笛卡儿空间内的坐标(z，y，z)，然后将其转换为计算机屏幕上的像素点的坐标(z，y)，从而绘制出具有真实立体感的图像。实践证明，利用此算法可以很方便地在计算机屏幕上绘制任意旋转的三维图像。     

A method for decomposition of hexachlorobenzene by gamma-alumina

A method of decomposing hexachlorobenzene (HCB) by γ-alumina was investigated at low temperature of 300 °C. It was found that HCB was rather quickly decomposed under such a condition. Decomposition efficiency (DE) increases with increasing the surface area of γ-alumina. Pretreated γ-alumina has a better performance for the decomposition reaction. A high decomposition efficiency within the short reactive time of 60 min was achieved to be 94.2%, which was obtained by preheating γ-alumina with the surface area of 220 m² g⁻¹ at 450 °C for 2 h. High surface area and appropriate pretreatment temperature probably provide more reactive sites such as the isolated OH groups and Al³⁺ sites surrounded by O²⁻ sites. These sites may induce the decomposition of HCB via a main ring-cracking process. The present study, hopefully, holds the promise for the eliminating of HCB contained hazardous materials in industrial application.     

A linear θ time-marching algorithm in 3D BEM formulation for elastodynamics

A time-marching process similar to the well-known Wilson θ-method is used in order to develop an algorithm for carrying out the 3D time domain analyses with the boundary element method (BEM). The scheme described here, when incorporated to existing BE algorithms, can improve substancially the stability of the tractions time responses for both: bounded and unbounded domain applications. In order to conclude in fact that the proposed time-marching scheme makes possible to broaden the choice of the time step length, the BE time domain response for a classical example is discussed. For this analysis linear time interpolation functions for displacements and tractions are employed. In addition, to the basic idea of the θ time-marching scheme presented here an analysis of stability by numerical experimentation and computational aspects of the time domain BEM algorithm are other topics discussed.     

Study of transformation behavior in a Ti–4.4 Ta–1.9 Nb alloy

An alloy of composition Ti–4.4 wt.% Ta–1.9 wt.% Nb is being developed as a structural material for corrosion applications, as titanium and its alloys possess excellent corrosion resistance in many oxidizing media. The primary physical metallurgy database for the Ti–4.4 wt.% Ta–1.9 wt.% Nb alloy is being presented for the first time. Determination of the β transus, M_s temperature and classification of the alloy have been carried out, employing a variety of microscopy techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-hardness and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The β transition temperature or β transus determined using different experimental techniques was found to agree very well with evaluations based on empirical calculations. Based on chemistry and observed room temperature microstructure, the alloy has been classified as an + β titanium alloy. The high temperature β transforms to either ′ or + β by a martensitic or Widmanstatten transformation. The mechanisms of transformation of β under different conditions and characteristics of different types of have been studied and discussed in this paper.     

凝视型红外光电系统噪声等效温差测量

噪声等效温差(NETD)是一个用以标志红外光电系统灵敏度的广泛使用的参数.本文采用三维噪声模型对凝视型红外光电系统噪声进行分析,将系统噪声按时间和空间三维划分为七个噪声分量,提出了一种系统噪声等效温差(NETD)的测量方法.对目标图像进行多帧采集,建立七个与噪声有关的数据集,提取出与系统各噪声相关的分量,用最小二乘法对系统信号传递函数(SiTF)进行拟合.通过实验,研究了系统的积分时间、增益等参数对噪声等效温差的影响.采用此方法对热像仪进行了实验分析,取得了较好的测量效果.并通过不同测量方法间的比较,说明了本文采用方法的正确性.     

A highly adaptive detector system for high resolution neutron imaging

An optimized detector system that allows high-resolution neutron imaging with desired flexibility is described. The presented system can be adapted and integrated with standard CCD-based neutron detectors. Novel neutron scintillating materials with good photon discrimination and optical lens components are tested and optimized for high-resolution neutron tomographic purposes. The presented detector system provides variable field of view and can be used in combination with different techniques, including dark-field, energy-selective, and neutron spin polarized imaging.     

A simple power supply and control unit for pulsed operation of a microchannel plate imaging detector

A simple power supply and control electronic system to operate microchannel plate (MCP) detectors for imaging transient events such as X-ray emission from laser-produced plasmas is described. The power supply consists of two parts, viz. a high voltage pulse generator of 1 kV amplitude with a variable pulse duration of 100 μs to 1 ms for the MCP input, and a regulated 5 kV d.c. for biasing the phosphor screen. The control unit synchronizes the high voltage pulse with the event and operates a safety switch to guard the detector against any accidental rise in the background pressure. A signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 75 is obtained, limited by the noise contribution of the Charge Coupled Device (CCD)-frame grabber combination attached to the MCP. The system is compact, has provision for both positive and negative pulses, is extendable to higher voltages for operating two-stage MCP, and is immune to electromagnetic interference.     

Preparation of a novel Bi2MoO6 flake-like nanophotocatalyst by molten salt method and evaluation for photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B

The flake-like nanoscale γ-bismuth molybdate (Bi₂MoO₆) powders as a novel photocatalyst was prepared using Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O and Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O as raw materials by a simple low-temperature molten salt method at 350 °C for 1, 4 and 8 h, respectively. The as-prepared samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis absorption spectra (UV–vis). The photocatalytic activity of Bi₂MoO₆ crystals was evaluated using the photocatalytic oxidation of rhodamine B (RhB) at room temperature under ultraviolet irradiation. It was found that the band gap adsorption edge of Bi₂MoO₆ is estimated to be 477 nm corresponding to the band gap energy to be 2.60 eV. In addition, the Bi₂MoO₆ powders exhibit good photocatalytic properties to photodegrade RhB at room temperature. Finally, the mechanism of photocatalytic property of Bi₂MoO₆ had been also discussed.     

基于阵列传感器的复合材料结构损伤MUSIC成像方法

提出了一种基于传感器线阵的多重信号分类(Multiple Signal Classification,MUSIC)损伤成像方法用于航空复合材料的损伤监测。该方法采用MUSIC阵列信号处理方法,通过对传感器阵列信号进行协方差特征值分解,在结构上进行方向扫描并构建监测区域的空间谱,从而实现对结构损伤的成像,具有一维传感器阵列易于布置的优点。所提出的方法在变厚度航空复合材料油箱结构上进行了验证,结果表明,该方法能够准确实现航空复合材料结构上的损伤成像,定位误差小于2cm。     

A digital X-ray imaging system based on silicon strip detectors working in edge-on configuration

We present the energy resolution and imaging performance of a digital X-ray imaging system based on a 512-strip silicon strip detector (SSD) working in the edge-on configuration. The SSDs tested in the system are 300 μm thick with 1 or 2-cm-long strips and 100 μm pitch. To ensure a very small dead area of the SSD working in edge-on configuration, the detector is cut perpendicular to the strips at a distance of only 20 μm from the end of the strips. The 512-strip silicon detector is read out by eight 64-channel integrated circuits called DEDIX [Grybos et al., IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. NS-54 (2007) 1207]. The DEDIX IC operates in a single photon counting mode with two independent amplitude discriminators per channel. The readout electronic channel connected to a detector with effective input capacitance of about 2 pF has an average equivalent noise charge (ENC) of about 163 el. rms and is able to count 1 Mcps of average rate of input pulses. The system consisting of 512 channels has an excellent channel-to-channel uniformity—the effective threshold spread calculated to the charge-sensitive amplifier inputs is 12 el. rms (at one sigma level). With this system a few test images of a phantom have been taken in the 10–30 keV energy range.     

Efficiency calibration of a HPGe detector in the [46.54–2000] keV energy range for the measurement of environmental samples

Here we describe a general method of calibrating the efficiency of a Ge γ-ray spectrometer. The method, which is based on the work of Quintana and Fernández (Appl. Radiat. Isot. 47 (1996) 911), can now be applied to many different experimental set-ups including both liquid and solid environmental samples. The method requires two different types of experimental inputs. Firstly, it requires measurements with radioactive sources emitting cascades of γ rays covering the energy range of interest. Secondly, it requires measurements with sources emitting isolated γ rays in order to provide coincidence-summing corrections. On this basis, we establish a general function to describe the energy dependence of the efficiency for the particular geometry and source matrix. The method has been applied to 11 different experimental arrangements to provide efficiency calibrations over the range 46.54–2000 keV with associated uncertainties ranging from 0.1% to 1.8%. This allows high precision measurements with environmental samples, which often have very low activities.     

Electromagnetic imaging for a conducting cylinder buried in a slab medium by the genetic algorithm

This article presents a computational approach to the imaging of a perfectly conducting cylinder buried in a slab. A conducting cylinder of unknown shape buried in a slab scatters the incident wave from outside. The scattered field is recorded outside the slab. Based on the boundary condition and the measured scattered field, a set of nonlinear integral equations is derived, and the imaging problem is reformulated into an optimization problem. The genetic algorithm is then employed to determine global extreme solution of the cost function. Numerical results demonstrated that, even when the initial guess is far removed from the exact one, good reconstruction can be obtained. In such a case, the gradient‐based methods often are trapped in a local extreme. In addition, the effect of Gaussian noise on the reconstruction is investigated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol 14, 1–7, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.20000