SBIR Phase I: Advanced insulated glass sealing techniques for low-cost, large area, flat panel radiation detectors.

这一小企业创新研究第一阶段项目将支持开发一种新的辐射探测技术，这种技术有可能将全球核探测覆盖率提高至少一个数量级，同时满足重要的不扩散和国土安全预算限制。 目前的辐射探测技术过于昂贵，无法部署在覆盖全球运输路径、城市和核储存地点的大型、谨慎的网络中。该项目将开发一种新产品，该产品将成熟的探测器几何结构（平板多丝正比室）与强大的中子转换材料（浓缩锂金属）相结合。 通过采用窗户行业的专业知识，该项目将通过开发和展示创新的面板密封协议来大幅降低这些检测器的成本。 这项工作的研究目标是设计和测试一个平板气室体，适应电子和真空绝缘玻璃（VIG）窗口中使用的气密密封技术。这种密封技术使传感器能够在恶劣的环境中工作：水下，零重力和深空应用。 第一阶段的工作包括三种低成本、高可制造性的腔室密封机制，这些机制对于二级市场（学术研究、钢铁再加工、石油/天然气行业）中使用的较小、坚固的腔室来说是最佳的。这些密封方法包括使用无焊剂焊料的超声波焊接、电阻焊接和激光焊接。 将该技术应用于中子探测器将增加腔室的鲁棒性并降低其制造成本。预期成果将包括证明一种具有成本效益的工艺，以密封下一代气室，同时保持高检测器性能和耐用性。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will support the development of a new radiation detection technology with the potential to increase global nuclear detection coverage by at least an order of magnitude, while meeting important non-proliferation and homeland security budget constraints. Current radiation detection technology is too expensive to be deployed in large, discreet networks that cover global transportation pathways, cities, and nuclear storage sites. This project will develop a new product which combines a proven detector geometry (flat-panel multi-wire proportional chamber) with a powerful neutron conversion material (enriched lithium metal). By adopting expertise from the window industry, this project will substantially reduce the cost of these detectors via the development and demonstration of innovative panel sealing protocols. The research objective of this effort is to design and test a flat-panel gas chamber body that adapts the hermetic sealing technologies used in electronics and vacuum insulated glass (VIG) windows. This sealing technology allows sensors to function in harsh environments: under water, in zero gravity, and in deep space applications. The Phase I work covers three approaches for lower-cost, high manufacturability chamber sealing mechanisms that will be optimal for smaller, robust chambers used in secondary markets (academic research, steel reprocessing, oil/gas industry). These sealing methods include ultrasonic soldering using flux-free solders, electrical resistance welding, and laser welding. Adaptation of this technology to neutron detectors will increase the robustness and reduce the manufacturing costs of the chambers. The expected outcomes will include proving out a cost-effective process to hermetically seal next generation gas chambers while maintaining high detector performance and durability.