Thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer utilizing a single material
A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, including: a detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode; and a photodetector coupled to the detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays. Optionally, the detection medium includes a 6 LiInSe 2 crystal. Optionally, the detection medium comprises a compound formed by the process of: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound and heating; wherein the Group I element includes lithium.
1. A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, comprising:
a detection medium comprising a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode; and
a photodetector coupled to the detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detection medium comprises a 6 LiInSe 2 crystal.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the photodetector comprises one of a Si Avalanche Photodiode (APD) and a Si Photomultiplier (SiPM).
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a bias voltage source coupled to the detection medium.
5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of contacts coupled to the detection medium.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an amplification system.
7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a data collection and processing device.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detection medium comprises a I-III-VI 2 compound formed by the process of:
melting a Group III element;
subsequently adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and
subsequently adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound and heating;
wherein the Group I element comprises lithium.
9. A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer method, comprising:
providing a detection medium comprising a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode; and
providing a photodetector coupled to the detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the detection medium comprises a 6 LiInSe 2 crystal.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the photodetector comprises one of a Si Avalanche Photodiode (APD) and a Si Photomultiplier (SiPM).
12. The method of claim 9 , further comprising providing a bias voltage source coupled to the detection medium.
13. The method of claim 10 , further comprising providing a plurality of contacts coupled to the detection medium.
14. The method of claim 9 , further comprising providing an amplification system.
15. The method of claim 10 , further comprising a data collection and processing device.
16. The method of claim 9 , wherein the detection medium comprises a I-III-VI 2 compound formed by the process of:
melting a Group III element;
subsequently adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and
subsequently adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound and heating;
wherein the Group I element comprises lithium.
17. A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, comprising:
a detection medium comprising a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode;
an electrical contact disposed adjacent to an initial surface of the detection medium operable for detecting the thermal neutrons in an initial layer of the detection medium; and
a photodetector coupled to a subsequent surface of the detection medium operable for detecting the gamma rays in a subsequent layer of the detection medium.
18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the detection medium comprises a 6 LiInSe 2 crystal.
19. The system of claim 17 , wherein the photodetector comprises one of a Si Avalanche Photodiode (APD) and a Si Photomultiplier (SiPM).
20. The system of claim 17 , wherein the electrical contact utilizes a grid pattern defining a plurality of gaps.
21. The system of claim 17 , wherein the initial layer comprises the initial 5 mm of the detection medium and the subsequent layer comprises the remainder of the detection medium.