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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2009

Gamma ray detector modules

A radiation detector assembly has a semiconductor detector array substrate of CdZnTe or CdTe, having a plurality of detector cell pads on a first surface thereof, the pads having a contact metallization and a solder barrier metallization. An interposer card has planar dimensions no larger than planar dimensions of the semiconductor detector array substrate, a plurality of interconnect pads on a first surface thereof, at least one readout semiconductor chip and at least one connector on a second surface thereof, each having planar dimensions no larger than the planar dimensions of the interposer card. Solder columns extend from contacts on the interposer first surface to the plurality of pads on the semiconductor detector array substrate first surface, the solder columns having at least one solder having a melting point or liquidus less than 120 degrees C. An encapsulant is disposed between the interposer circuit card first surface and the semiconductor detector array substrate first surface, encapsulating the solder columns, the encapsulant curing at a temperature no greater than 120 degrees C.

Capote, M. Albert↗
NASA NTRS1992

GAMCIT: A gamma ray burst detector

The origin of celestial gamma ray bursts remains one of the great mysteries of modern astrophysics. The GAMCIT Get-Away-Special payload is designed to provide new and unique data in the search for the sources of gamma ray bursts. GAMCIT consists of three gamma ray detectors, an optical CCD camera, and an intelligent electronics system. This paper describes the major components of the system, including the electronics and structural designs.

Surka, Derek M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Comparison of the Gamma-Ray Burst Sensitivity of Different Detectors

Gamma-ray burst detectors are sensitive at different energies, complicating the comparison of the burst populations that they detect. The instrument teams often report their detector sensitivities in their instruments' energy band. I propose that sensitivities be reported its the threshold peak photon flux FT over the 1-1000 keV energy band for a specific spectral shape. The primary spectral parameter is E(sub p), the energy of the maximum E(sup 2)N(sub E) proportional to upsilon f(sub upsilon). Thus F(sub T) vs. E(sub p). E(sub p) is a useful description of a detector's sensitivity. I find that Swift will be marginally more sensitive than BATSE for E(sub p) greater than 100 keV, but significantly more sensitive for E(sub p) less than 100 keV. Because of its small field-of-view and low energy sensitivity, the FREGATE on HETE-2 is surprisingly sensitive. Both the WFC on BeppoSAX and the WXM on HETE-2 are/were sensitive for low E(sub p). As expected, the GBM on GLAST will be less sensitive than BATSE, while EXIST will be significantly more sensitive than Swift. The BeppoSAX GRBM was less sensitive that the WFC, particularly at low E(sub p).

Band, David L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

RadSim: Detector Response

This package simulates the expected output gamma spectra from a gamma detector for given configuration.

Hangal, DhanushA [Lawrence Livermore National Labo↗
NASA NTRS1994

X-ray and gamma ray astronomy detectors

X-ray and gamma ray astronomy was made possible by the advent of space flight. Discovery and early observations of celestial x-rays and gamma rays, dating back almost 40 years, were first done with high altitude rockets, followed by Earth-orbiting satellites> once it became possible to carry detectors above the Earth's atmosphere, a new view of the universe in the high-energy part of the electromagnetic spectrum evolved. Many of the detector concepts used for x-ray and gamma ray astronomy were derived from radiation measuring instruments used in atomic physics, nuclear physics, and other fields. However, these instruments, when used in x-ray and gamma ray astronomy, have to meet unique and demanding requirements related to their operation in space and the need to detect and measure extremely weak radiation fluxes from celestial x-ray and gamma ray sources. Their design for x-ray and gamma ray astronomy has, therefore, become a rather specialized and rapidly advancing field in which improved sensitivity, higher energy and spatial resolution, wider spectral coverage, and enhanced imaging capabilities are all sought. This text is intended as an introduction to x-ray and gamma ray astronomy instruments. It provides an overview of detector design and technology and is aimed at scientists, engineers, and technical personnel and managers associated with this field. The discussion is limited to basic principles and design concepts and provides examples of applications in past, present, and future space flight missions.

Decher, Rudolf↗
DOE OSTI2024

Machine learning framework for predicting uranium enrichments from M400 CZT gamma spectra

A machine learning framework was developed for predicting uranium enrichments from M400 CZT gamma spectra. This framework leverages the availability of a large amount of measured M400 gamma spectra and uses a recently updated version of Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) for gamma spectrum analysis and generation. It also leverages the existing machine learning modules in Python for gamma spectrum data processing, curation, model training, benchmarking, and optimization of the deep machine learning models. The framework is used to develop a deep learning model to analyze gamma spectra from a set of U 3 O 8 samples with enrichments ranging from 0.31 to 93.17% and UF 6 cylinders with enrichments ranging from 0.2 to 4.95%, and the model performance is tested using a set of measured spectra and the respective declared enrichment values. Results show that the model can correctly classify 99.35% of the U 3 O 8 sample enrichments, and can predict the samples’ enrichments within an average absolute error of 0.099% (in percentage points of enrichment). For the UF 6 cylinders, the average absolute error was approximately 0.03%, with an accuracy of 98% in classifying discrete enrichment values of UF 6 samples. Finally, the results also show that the model has performed significantly better in terms of predicting enrichments in UF 6 cylinders based on measured gamma spectra than the GEM code, with a standard deviation (of the relative errors) of 2.23% (compared with the 11.51% value for the GEM code) based on results from a set of test data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2018

MoonBEAM: A Beyond Earth-Orbit Gamma-Ray Burst Detector for Multi-Messenger Astronomy

Moon Burst Energetics All-sky Monitor (MoonBEAM) is a CubeSat concept of deploying gamma-ray detectors in cislunar space to increase gamma-ray burst detections and improve localization precision with the timing triangulation technique. A gamma-ray instrument in cislunar orbit will have greatly reduced sky blockage compared to instruments in low Earth orbit. Working in conjunction with another instrument in low Earth orbit, MoonBEAM can also help constrain the arrival direction of the wavefront to an annulus on the sky by utilizing the light arrival times between the different orbits. This method has been demonstrated by the Interplanetary Gamma- Ray Burst Timing Network. However, delays in data downlink for instruments outside the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite network prevent rapid follow-up observations. We present here a gamma-ray CubeSat concept in Earth-Moon L3 halo orbit that is capable of faster response and provide a timing baseline for localization improvement. Such an instrument would aid in the gravitational wave follow-up observations in other wavelengths to identify the gamma-ray burst afterglow and kilonova emission. Reducing the region of interest makes identifying afterglows much faster, allowing for rapid on-source observations and monitoring of the rise and decay times. It will also prevent source confusion between two transients and enable robust association. A gamma-ray detection could also increase the confidence of a simultaneous but marginal gravitational wave signal, extending the detection horizon. MoonBEAM is a 12U CubeSat concept of deploying gamma-ray detectors in cislunar space to increase gamma-ray burst detections and improve localization precision with the timing triangulation technique. Such an instrument would probe the extreme processes in cosmic collision of compact objects and facilitate multi-messenger time-domain astronomy to explore the end of stellar life cycles and black hole formations.

gamma-ray Cubesat↗
NASA NTRS1991

Advanced Ge detectors for gamma-ray astronomy

Externally segmented coaxial detectors are fabricated for high efficiency in detecting gamma rays from cosmic sources with good sensitivities. The external background is reduced by enclosing the Ge detector array inside a thick active shield. The outer electrode of the coaxial detectors is subdivided into five segments, and internal beta activity is rejected by operating the segmented detector in a multisegment mode. The multisegment mode requires that events be detected in two or more segments before they are recorded. The full-energy-peak (FEP) efficiency of the unit is tested as a function of the incident gamma-ray energy and of the discriminator threshold of the segments. Measurements of beta-rejection and FEP efficiency are compared with Monte Carlo calculations, and good agreement is noted.

Varnell, Larry S.↗
NASA NTRS2020

MoonBEAM: A Beyond Earth-orbit Gamma-ray Burst Detector for Multi-Messenger Astronomy

MoonBEAM is a SmallSat concept of deploying gamma-ray detectors in cislunar space to increase gamma-ray burst detections and improve localization precision with the timing triangulation technique. Such an instrument would probe the extreme processes involved in the cosmic collision of compact objects and facilitate multi-messenger time-domain astronomy to explore the end of explore the end of stellar life cycles and black hole formation.

Hui, Chiumun M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Analysis of temperature effects on self-powered neutron detectors in a gamma field

Self-powered neutron detectors (SPND) are small, robust, in-core radiation sensors that have the potential to operate in high temperature environments (above 600°C). However, previous experiments indicated temperature related effects in the form of displacement currents. Given the recent irradiation at The Ohio State University Research Reactor using a delayed-response rhodium-based SPND alongside a prompt-response tantalum-based SPND, it was concluded that only low-energy electrons from gamma interactions were the cause of these temperature effects. A series of heated gamma irradiations with temperatures up to 750°C of SPNDs were performed at the Advanced Test Reactor Gamma Facility in order to better characterize these displacement currents. The results from the experiments demonstrated a strong relation between the displacement currents that occurred during temperature ramps to thermoluminescence (TL) glow peaks—the SPND with Al2O3 insulation has one glow peak within 750°C and the SPND with MgO has three. A demonstration was performed to calculate the trap energy levels of the displacement currents through TL glow peak analysis. Unfortunately, the methods employed provided inconsistent results, requiring an updated model based on ongoing irradiation instead of post-irradiation measurements.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗
NASA NTRS2018

MoonBEAM: A Beyond Earth-Orbit Gamma-Ray Burst Detector for Multi-Messenger Astronomy

MoonBEAM is a 12U CubeSat concept of deploying gamma-ray detectors in cislunar space to increase gamma-ray burst detections and improve localization precision with the timing triangulation technique. Such an instrument would probe the extreme processes in cosmic collision of compact objects and facilitate multi-messenger time-domain astronomy to explore the end of explore the end of stellar life cycles and black hole formation.

Beyond Earth-Orbit↗
NASA NTRS1985

Shower disc sampling and the angular resolution of gamma-ray shower detectors

As part of the design study for the new UHE gamma ray detector being constsructed at Haverah Park, a series of experiments using scintillators operated side-by-side in 10 to the 15th power eV air showers are undertaken. Investigation of the rms sampling fluctuations in the shower disc arrival time yields an upper limit to the intrinsic sampling uncertainty, sigma sub rms = (1.1 + or - 0.1)ns, implying an angular resolution capability 1 deg for an inter-detector spacing of approximately 25 m.

Lambert, A.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Rapid Gamma Simulations of TRISO Fuel Elements

As energy demand rises, nuclear energy, particularly from reactors that use tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuels, has gained attention due to the fuel’s enhanced resistance to radiation damage and high temperatures. This report investigates the modeling capabilities of the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) for TRISO fuels, focusing on the gamma signatures of TRISO particles, which have not been extensively explored. Using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code as a benchmark, we developed both homogeneous and heterogeneous models of TRISO pebbles to analyze gamma spectra. Our findings reveal that the homogeneous and heterogeneous models produced different gamma signatures. Additionally, the GADRAS heterogeneous model significantly reduces computation times compared to MCNP, enabling effective modeling of gamma signatures for safeguards applications. This advancement is essential for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in detecting anomalies and potential smuggling attempts in TRISO reactor fuel elements.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1990

Prototype V-Groove Radiator Heat Shield

Report describes design, fabrication, and testing of heat radiator equipped with multi-V-groove radiator heat shield. Device compact, efficient structure which removes heat from infrared detectors, gamma-ray detectors, and similar instruments aboard Mars Observer spacecraft and radiates heat into outer space. Designed to maintain detector for gamma-ray spectrometer at temperature of 80 K in cold vacuum under heat load of 80 mW. Prototype made of aluminum, though production shields made of aluminized sheets of polyethylene terephthalate.

Petrick, S. Walter↗
NASA NTRS2002

Low-Energy Study of Gamma-Ray Bursts Using Two BATSE Spectroscopy Detectors

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are energetic, short-duration emissions of gamma-rays from astronomical sources typically well beyond our galaxy. The Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) that was onboard NASA's Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) had detected an unprecedented 2704 GRBs during CGRO's nine-year mission. BATSE consisted of eight detector assemblies located at the corners of CGRO to give full sky coverage. Each assembly consisted of two detectors, a Large Area Detector (LAD) and a Spectroscopy Detector (SD). In determining the detail features of GRBs, the degree to which they possess a low-energy component (approx. 10 keV) is of interest. Preece have developed a method to study the low-energy characteristics and concluded that 14% of the 86 bright GRBs they studied had a definite low-energy component, referred to as a low-energy excess. Their study, and for the present study as well, needed to use SD data, because it extends down to the low-energy range when operating in a high-gain mode. For their study, low-energy data was used from just one SD. To better quantify the low-energy behavior, this study will consider bursts for which two SDs satisfy the same criteria as used by Preece.

Michael J. Pangia↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluation of simulated HPGe detector efficiencies in OpenMC compared to MCNP

In late 2023, the open-source radiation transport code OpenMC introduced a pulse-height tally (PHT) feature, enabling users to track the total energy deposited by individual photons in OpenMC cells. This function represents an important improvement of the OpenMC code because it allows users to simulate the response function of a gamma detector without relying on closed-source alternatives. Despite this, limited work has been published evaluating OpenMC as a radiation transport code for simulating gamma spectroscopy experiments. This study attempts to demonstrate the usefulness of OpenMC in this space by directly comparing its PHT output to MCNP (a trusted industry-standard Monte Carlo code). In the first half of this study, a radiation transport experiment is described in which a detector with a complex internal geometry is exposed to various gamma-emitting isotopes ( 133 Ba, 137 Cs, and 60 Co) over a range of distances. The setup of this experiment was modeled in MCNP with sufficient detail to capture the efficiency characteristics of a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector for the primary gammas of each isotope. After good agreement between the MCNP model and experiment was achieved, an identical model was produced in OpenMC to allow direct comparison between the full energy peak (FEP) values produced in OpenMC and MCNP. The results show strong agreement between OpenMC and MCNP across the full range of tested energies, with each model’s FEP values typically within 2% of each other and most FEP areas within 4% of experimental data. Worse agreement was seen between the Monte Carlo codes and experiment below 300 keV (an expected result). For the 662 keV line of 137 Cs, both codes were found in poor agreement with experiment and each other over the full range of distances tested (possibly indicating an error with the 137 Cs experimental data). Ignoring the anomalous results of the 662 keV line, all other data show good qualitative and quantitative agreement between MCNP and OpenMC. This result demonstrates the accuracy of OpenMC’s PHT feature for spectroscopic applications in which detector efficiency is a primary concern.

07 - ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
NASA NTRS1990

Identification of lunar rock types and search for polar ice by gamma ray spectroscopy

This paper examines the possibility of mapping the surface composition of the moon from an orbiting spin-stabilized spacecraft, using gamma ray spectroscopy and a cooled germanium solid-state device as a detector. A design for accommodating the germanium detector gamma ray spectrometer was devised, and the detection sensitivity was applied to typical lunar-rock compositions. For sets comprising nine highland and 16 mare types, the most useful elements were found to be Mg, Al, K, Ti, Fe, U, and Th. An analysis of the expected instrument response to the gamma ray and neutron fluxes of water ice indicated that a neutron mode added to the spectrometer will be more sensitive than the gamma ray mode to the possible presence of polar ice. It was calculated that, with a pair of selected neutron absorbers and a model which provides that 2.5 percent of the area above 75-deg latitude is occupied by trapping sites, the instrument will provide a 1-yr mission detection limit of 0.056 percent H2O by weight for each polar region.

Metzger, Albert E.↗