Rad-Hard Diamond Detectors for Civil Nuclear Applications

原理验证研究表明，将ATLAS光束条件监视器中使用的金刚石探测器技术应用于塞拉菲尔德的高活性储罐和世界各地类似的高放射性设施的测量是可能的。这些测量包括两种不同但互补的技术：剂量率测量；和伽马光谱学——与ATLAS BCM相比，前者是完全新颖的。到目前为止，已经对这两种技术进行了研究，并在提案文件中提出了每种技术的初步原理证明结果。到目前为止，大部分工作都集中在证实剂量率测量技术，该技术已使用从2.98毫戈瑞/小时到88毫戈瑞/分钟的受控辐射源进行校准。Sellafield的原型剂量率系统已经初步成功部署，并计划作为IPS项目的一部分进行后续部署。与剂量率测量相一致，伽马光子与电子级合成金刚石相互作用沉积的能量可以使用高速放大器和模拟-数字转换器系统（如ATLAS所示）进行测量。测量的能量表明正在衰变的特定放射性同位素，这是提出的光谱测量系统的基础。我们的早期原型系统和软件目前能够测量伽马光子与钻石晶体相互作用的数量和能量，因此，我们有信心交付的技术风险足够低，可以朝着开发商用设备的方向发展。这个拟议的商业化项目将为我们的剂量率测量和基于光谱的钻石设备提供进一步的发展。在项目期间，我们将把这两种设备开发到至少TRL7，并使每个整个系统（前端和后端电子设备）小型化，以便几乎在任何工厂都可以进行现场和远程辐射测量。在项目合作伙伴Sellafield Limited的协助下，我们还将使用国家物理实验室（NPL）提供剂量率校准、测量验证以及随后对我们的设备进行认证。到项目结束时，我们的目标是开发和申请一个适当的有吸引力的知识产权体系，培养一些国际探测器制造商的许可兴趣。

Proof-of-principle studies have shown that it will be possible to adapt the diamond detector technology used in the ATLAS Beam Conditions Monitor for measurements within the Highly Active Storage Tanks at Sellafield and similar highly radioactive facilities worldwide. These measurements consist of two distinct but complementary techniques: dose rate measurements; and gamma spectroscopy - the former is completely novel compared to the ATLAS BCM. Both techniques have so far been investigated, and preliminary proof-of-principle results from each are presented in the proposal document. Thus far, the majority of work has been focused on substantiating the dose rate measurement technique, which has been calibrated using controlled radioactive sources from 2.98mGy/hr to 88Gy/min. An initial successful deployment of a prototype dose rate system at Sellafield has taken place with a follow-up deployment planned as part of this IPS project.In concert with dose rate measurements, the energy deposited by interaction of gamma photons with electronic grade synthetic diamond can be measured using a high speed amplifier and analogue-to-digital converter system (as shown by ATLAS). The measured energy indicates the specific radioisotope undergoing decay and this is the basis for the proposed spectroscopic measurement system. Our early prototype system and software is currently capable of measuring the number and energy of gamma photon interactions with the diamond crystal and, hence, we are confident that the technical risk of delivery is sufficiently low that it is appropriate to move towards developing a commercially available device.This proposed commercialisation project will provide further development of both of our dose rate measurement and spectrometry-based diamond devices. Within the project period, we will develop both devices to at least TRL7, with miniaturisation of each whole system (front- and back-end electronics) such that radiation measurements can be made in-situ and remotely in almost any plant. Facilitated by the project partners Sellafield Limited, we will also use the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to provide dose rate calibration, measurement verification and, later, certification of our devices. By the end of the project we aim to have developed and patented a suitably attractive body of IP that cultivates licencing interest from a number of international detector manufacturers.