Title :
A Handheld Neutron-Detection Sensor System Utilizing a New Class of Boron Carbide Diode
Author :
Osberg, Kevin ; Schemm, Nathan ; Balkir, Sina ; Brand, Jennifer I. ; Hallbeck, M. Susan ; Dowben, Peter A. ; Hoffman, Michael W.
Author_Institution :
LSI Logic Corp., Fort Collins, CO
Abstract :
A handheld neutron-detection sensor application is described in this paper. The sensor system utilizes a new class of boron carbide diode that interacts with incoming neutrons. To interface with the boron carbide diode, an integrated front end is designed in a 1.5-mum standard CMOS technology. With the diode and front-end microchip, a handheld neutron-detection system was realized with an embedded microcontroller for real-time processing. The handheld detector operation was then tested with a plutonium-beryllium neutron source. Test and measurement results confirm the validity of the approach and the functionality of the design
Keywords :
CMOS integrated circuits; neutron detection; nonelectric sensing devices; portable instruments; semiconductor diodes; 1.5 micron; BC; CMOS technology; charge-sensitive amplifier; embedded microcontroller; front-end microchip; handheld detector; heteroisomeric diode; integrated front end; neutron-detection sensor; real-time processing; Boron; CMOS technology; Detectors; Diodes; Microcontrollers; Neutrons; Real time systems; Sensor phenomena and characterization; Sensor systems; Testing; Boron carbide; charge-sensitive amplifier; heteroisomeric diode; neutron detection;
Journal_Title :
Sensors Journal, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/JSEN.2006.883905
