New photo-detection technology for possible use in sensors for Homeland Security

该项目以过去在天文学伽马射线探测、探测器技术和成像算法领域的经验为基础，为国土安全领域的新技术应用奠定了基础。该项目汇集了大学部门和产业界的团队，以确保将技术、算法和技术最有效地转移到这些新的应用程序中。该项目将探索将新出现的硅光倍增器件应用于一系列非常紧凑的闪烁计数器系统的可能性。这些新型探测器将被设计成独立的，配有精密偏置电源和前端电子设备。它们将在紧凑性和坚固性方面改进现有的设计，这两个方面都是在现场使用的重要考虑因素。这些强大的新探测器有可能在国土安全和边境保护情况下找到应用。然后，它们可能会越来越多地提供给急救团队，用于紧急情况。在这项研究计划中，我们还将探索一种新的紧凑型定向伽马射线能谱仪的可能性，它将能够引导用户找到辐射源，同时提供对该辐射源的性质的识别。还将探索一种新的紧凑型中子传感器，以探测隐藏在货物中的裂变材料。

This project builds on past experience in the fields of gamma-ray detection for astronomy, detector technology and imaging algorithms for a new application of technologies in the Homeland Security area. The project brings together teams from the university sector and industry in order to ensure the most effective transfer of techniques, algorithms and technologies into these new applications. This project will explore the possibility of applying newly emerging silicon photo-multiplier devices in a new range of very compact scintillation counter systems. These novel detectors will be designed to be self-contained, complete with their precision bias supply, and front-end electronics. They will improve on existing designs in terms of their compactness and ruggedness, both important considerations for use 'in the field' These powerful new detectors have the potential to find application in Homeland Security and Border Protection situations. They may then later become increasingly available to First-Responder Teams for use in emergency situations. During this programme of research, we will also explore the potential for a new compact directional gamma-ray spectrometer that will be able to guide the user towards the source of radiation whilst simultaneously providing an identification of the nature of that source. A new, compact neutron sensor will also be explored to detect hidden fissile material mmaterialmaterial.idden in cargo cargo.