Rad-Hard Diamond Detectors for Civil Nuclear Applications

原理验证研究表明，将有可能调整ATLAS束流状况监测器中使用的钻石探测器技术，用于在塞拉菲尔德的高放射性储存罐和世界各地类似的高放射性设施内进行测量。这些测量由两种不同但互补的技术组成：剂量率测量和伽马能谱-与ATLAS X射线相比，前者是完全新颖的。到目前为止，这两种技术都进行了研究，并在提案文件中提出了各自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，该技术已使用受控放射源进行校准，从2.98 mGy/hr到88 Gy/min。在塞拉菲尔德初步成功部署了原型剂量率系统，并计划作为该IPS项目的一部分进行后续部署。可以使用高速放大器和模数转换器系统（如ATLAS所示）测量伽马光子与电子级合成金刚石相互作用所沉积的能量。所测量的能量指示经历衰变的特定放射性同位素，这是所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金刚石晶体相互作用的数量和能量，因此，我们相信交付的技术风险足够低，可以适当地开发商业化设备。这个拟议的商业化项目将进一步开发我们的剂量率测量和基于光谱的金刚石设备。在项目期间，我们将开发两种设备，至少达到TRL 7，并对每个整个系统（前端和后端电子设备）进行集成，以便几乎可以在任何工厂进行现场和远程辐射测量。在项目合作伙伴塞拉菲尔德有限公司的协助下，我们还将利用国家物理实验室（NPL）提供剂量率校准、测量验证以及随后的设备认证。在项目结束时，我们的目标是开发出一套具有适当吸引力的知识产权并获得专利，从而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.