SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Solid-state detectors”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1978

Sensors and detectors in NASA's future missions

Advances in electronics are responsible for major improvements in NASA's sensing and detection capabilities for future space missions. Technologies such as charge-transfer devices, tunable diode lasers, millimeter and submillimeter wave solid-state receiver components, large-scale circuit integration, new electronic materials and processing techniques, and novel detector electronics are contributing to the goal of a tenfold increase in the capacity of data collection from future platforms and will be used for space exploration and utilization.

Rubin, B.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Microchannel detector array for X-rays and UV

Device employs sensitive photoelectric electrodes and solid-state memory, can be used at visible UV and X ray wavelengths, includes nonmagnetic proximity focusing, and is immune to high energy charged-particle background.

Timothy, J. G.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Neutron detection efficiency measurements of organic glass scintillator arrays

We characterize the neutron detection efficiency of pixelated organic glass scintillator (OGS) arrays manufactured in two ways: an additive method in which the OGS is cast in place in a pixelated mold, and a subtractive method in which the scintillator is first cast as a large block before being cut in bars and bonded together to form the array. The cast-in-place array utilizes a mixture of “bis(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)diphenylsilane” (P2), “tri([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)(phenyl)silane” (PB3), and “4-bis(2-methylstyryl)benzene” (MSB), and 50% by weight of polystyrene is added to the mixture for subtractive manufactured array. We compare the performance of the OGS arrays to that of an EJ-299-33M plastic scintillator array that was manufactured using a subtractive process similar to that of the second OGS array.

Neutron detectors (cold, thermal, fast neutrons)↗

DOE OSTI2025

DUNE Photon Detection System

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) aims to provide a broad physics program primarily addressed to probing CP violation in the neutrino sector and identifying the neutrino mass hierarchy. The search for proton decay, the observation of supernova neutrino bursts, and the investigation of solar neutrinos represent other additional goals of DUNE experiment, which can be enhanced by the use and the high performances of the Photon Detection System (PDS). Using the technology based on liquid argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC), the experiment plans to observe neutrino interactions inside detectors located 1300 km away from the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), where the neutrinos are produced. The experiment consists of two main parts, respectively the far and near detectors. The far site will comprise four detector modules. The first module is constituted by a vertical drift single-phase LArTPC, while the second module provides a horizontal drift single-phase LArTPC. The configurations of the other modules are still under definition. Neutrino detection in LArTPCs is achieved by identifying the charge and light generated from its interactions with liquid argon. The wire planes of the instrumented anode and the PDS detect these signals, respectively. The PDS in the first two modules, detailed in the present document, uses a modified version of the so-called ARAPUCA technology, named X-ARAPUCA. This system consisting of a highly reflecting box with an entrance window made by dichroic filters and wavelength shifters, creates a trap to detect the VUV (128 nm) scintillation photons. The X-ARAPUCA of the first module is called Supercell, and it has dimensions of 488×100 mm 2 , while Megacell is the second module version, with an active area of 60×60 cm 2 . This latter configuration also represents a significant technological advancement. Since half of the modules are placed on the cathode at high voltage, they are powered and read out using innovative power-over-fiber (PoF) and signal-over-fiber (SoF) technologies. Meanwhile, the other half are installed in a membrane behind the field cage, with a total transparency of around 70%.

Neutrino detectors↗

NASA NTRS1975

Application of visible linear array technology to earth observation sensors

The present paper identifies the systems engineering aspects of applying solid-state technology to earth observations applications being traditionally performed by point (or multiple-point) detector line scanned mechanisms. It is shown that the translation from a basically serial data flow point-detector mechanically-scanned sensor to a solid state highly parallel linear-array pushbroom sensor results in minimizing mechanical complexity and maximizing electronics complexity, with increased demands upon optical performance in some applications. Technical aspects relevant to highly parallel photodiode linear-array pushbroom applications are discussed. Examples of systems engineering applications are provided.

Noll, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Multispectral linear array

The Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) is a solid-state earth imagery radiometer operating in the 'push-broom' mode and using a focal plane containing multiple spectral band linear detector arrays. The MLA sensor offers the capability for increased spatial and spectral resolution with multiple selectable bands and in-orbit operation flexibility. Both free-flyer (satellite) and Shuttle-attached instrument designs have been studied. Four Shuttle-attached MLA instrument design studies were initiated in 1982, and the concepts resulting from these studies are described.

Richard, H. L.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Breadboard linear array scan imager using LSI solid-state technology

The performance of large scale integration photodiode arrays in a linear array scan (pushbroom) breadboard was evaluated for application to multispectral remote sensing of the earth's resources. The technical approach, implementation, and test results of the program are described. Several self scanned linear array visible photodetector focal plane arrays were fabricated and evaluated in an optical bench configuration. A 1728-detector array operating in four bands (0.5 - 1.1 micrometer) was evaluated for noise, spectral response, dynamic range, crosstalk, MTF, noise equivalent irradiance, linearity, and image quality. Other results include image artifact data, temporal characteristics, radiometric accuracy, calibration experience, chip alignment, and array fabrication experience. Special studies and experimentation were included in long array fabrication and real-time image processing for low-cost ground stations, including the use of computer image processing. High quality images were produced and all objectives of the program were attained.

Tracy, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1961

A Technique for Increasing the Sensitivity of a Solid-State Fission Probe

A small silicon p-n junction wafer, when coated with uranium 235, can be used as a compact fission probe for low power flux and power mapping. Because of the inverse relation between the magnitude of a neutron-induced fission pulse and the inherent capacitance of the detecting element (capacitance is proportional to area), the size, and hence the sensitivity, of the semiconductor detector has been limited. New developments in the field of semiconductor detectors have made it possible to fabricate large area detectors which are essentially free from the capacitance effect. However, preliminary results indicate that they are much more susceptible to radiation damage than the detectors described in this report and as such may not be suitable for flux mapping. increasing the sensitivity cannot be accomplished by simply fabricating a larger detector. It has been observed that by combining the silicon p-n junction wafers in a series configuration the capacitance effect can be bypassed, and a fission probe can be made with a resultant increase in sensitivity by a factor of ten while sustaining only a minor decrease in pulse height. Analysis further indicates that for n silicon wafers in series, if n(C(sub i)) + C(sub c)/C(sub b) less than 0.1 where C(sub i) and C(sub c) are the preamplifier input and cable capacitances, respectively, and C(sub b) is the junction capacitance of a single silicon wafer, there should be no substantial reduction in pulse height due to series circuitry.

Steinberg, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1979

Remote sensing using solid-state array technology

The paper describes the design features and capabilities of a remote sensor that uses solid-state linear arrays and operates in a 'pushbroom' scan mode to provide the required performance. Pushbroom scanning is a term describing the technique of using the forward motion of a satellite platform to sweep a linear array of detectors oriented perpendicular to the ground track across a scene being imaged. One array is typically used for each spectral channel. Satellite motion provides one direction of scan and electronic sampling of the detectors in the crosstrack dimension provides the orthogonal scan component to form an image. The detector array is sampled at the appropriate rate so that contiguous lines are produced. The performance of a pushbroom system is discussed relative to radiometric sensitivity, detector array geometric fidelity, and radiometric correction. System advantages are precision geometric positioning of the detectors, very high sensitivity and favorable SNR, low power consumption, and no moving optics.

Thompson, L. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Charge-coupled device camera for the Galileo Jupiter Orbiter spacecraft

A slow-scan television camera called the solid-state imaging subsystem (SSI), built for the Galileo Jupiter Orbiter, is described. The SSI consists of a 1500-mm focal-length telescope coupled to a camera head housing a 800 x 800-element charge-coupled device (CCD) detector based on 'virtual-phase' charge transfer technology. The CCD detector provides broadband sensitivity over 100 times that of a comparable vidicon-tube camera, while also yielding improved resolution, linearity, geometric fidelity, and spectral range. The system noise floor is 30 electrons, which results in a dynamic range of about 3500. Saturation of the detector with 9000-A light, followed by a high-speed erasure cycle prior to exposing each image, stabilizes the detector quantum efficiency at its maximum level for wavelengths beyond 7000 A. An optical schematic diagram of the SSI is included.

Klaasen, K. P.↗

NASA NTRS1978

The application of smart sensor techniques to a solid-state array multispectral sensor

The solid-state array spectroradiometer (SAS) developed at JSC for remote sensing applications is a multispectral sensor which has no moving parts, is virtually maintenance-free, and has the ability to provide data which requires a minimum of processing. The instrument is based on the 42 x 342 element charge injection device (CID) detector. This system allows the combination of spectral scanning and across-track spatial scanning along with its associated digitization electronics into a single detector.

Mcfadin, L. W.↗

NASA NTRS1982

An automated mapping satellite system

Topographic maps are compiled by manually operated stereoplotters that recreate the geometry of two wide-angle overlapping stereo frame photographs. Continuous imaging systems such as strip cameras, electro-optical scanners, or linear arrays of detectors (push brooms) can also create stereo coverage from which topography can be compiled; however, the instability of an aircraft in the atmosphere makes this approach impractical. The benign environment of space permits a satellite to orbit the Earth with very high stability as long as no local perturbing forces are involved. Solid-state linear-array sensors have no moving parts and create no perturbing force on the satellite. Digital data from highly stabilized stereo linear arrays are amenable to simplified processing to produce both planimetric imagery and elevation data. A proposed satellite, called MAPSAT, could accomplish automated mapping in near real time. Image maps as large as 1:50,000 scale with contours as close as 20-m interval may be produced from MAPSAT data.

Colvocoreses, A. P.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Experimental determination of cosmic ray charged particle intensity profiles in the atmosphere

Absolute cosmic-ray free air ionization and charged particle fluxes and dose rates throughout the atmosphere were measured on a series of balloon flights that commenced in 1968. Argon-filled ionization chambers equipped with solid-state electrometers, with different gas pressures and steel wall thicknesses, and a pair of aluminum-wall Gm counters have provided the basic data. These data are supplemented by measurements with air-filled and tissue equivalent ionization chambers and a scintillation spectrometer. Laboratory experiments together with analyses of the theoretical aspects of the detector responses to cosmic radiation indicate that these profiles can be determined to an overall accuracy of + or - 5 percent.

Lowder, W. M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Introducing new resonant soft x-ray scattering capability in SSRL

Resonant soft x-ray scattering (RSXS) is a powerful technique for probing both spatial and electronic structures within solid-state systems. Here, we present a newly developed RSXS capability at beamline 13-3 of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, designed to enhance materials science research. This advanced setup achieves a base sample temperature as low as 9.8 K combined with extensive angular motions (azimuthal ϕ and flipping χ), enabling comprehensive exploration of reciprocal space. Two types of detectors—an Au/GaAsP Schottky photodiode and a charge-coupled device detector with over 95% quantum efficiency—are integrated to effectively capture scattered photons. Extensive testing has confirmed the enhanced functionality of this RSXS setup, including its temperature and angular performance. The versatility and effectiveness of the system have been demonstrated through studies of various materials, including superlattice heterostructures and high-temperature superconductors.

Kuo, Cheng-Tai [SLAC National Accelerator Laborato↗

NASA NTRS1982

Charge-coupled device (CCD) television camera for NASA's Galileo mission to Jupiter

The CCD detector under construction for use in the slow-scan television camera for the NASA Galileo Jupiter orbiter to be launched in 1985 is presented. The science objectives and the design constraints imposed by the earth telemetry link, platform residual motion, and the Jovian radiation environment are discussed. Camera optics are inherited from Voyager; filter wavelengths are chosen to enable discrimination of Galilean-satellite surface chemical composition. The CCO design, an 800 by 800-element 'virtual-phase' solid-state silicon image-sensor array with supporting electronics, is described with detailed discussion of the thermally generated dark current, quantum efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio, and resolution. Tests of the effect of ionizing radiation were performed and are analyzed statistically. An imaging mode using a 2-1/3-sec frame time and on-chip summation of the signal in 2 x 2 blocks of adjacent pixels is designed to limit the effects of the most extreme Jovian radiation. Smearing due to spacecraft/target relative velocity and platform instability will be corrected for via an algorithm maximizing spacial resolution at a given signal-to-noise level. The camera is expected to produce 40,000 images of Jupiter and its satellites during the 20-month mission.

Klaasen, K. P.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Integrated soft snake robot for gamma spectroscopy of radiologically contaminated ducting

Anticipated growth in the number and complexity of nuclear facilities entering the decommissioning phase of their lifespan requires innovative methods of mitigating radiological and safety hazards for workers. Advancements in robotics provide opportunities for remote characterization of radiologically contaminated ducts and pipes, reducing worker exposure. However, the nuclear decommissioning industry has shown a hesitancy in adopting new technology due to concerns regarding capital costs and a lack of demonstration data in representative environments. This work aims to leverage novel soft robotics to develop and demonstrate a sensor-integrated characterization tool for contaminated ducting systems. Two gamma spectrometers – one scintillation-based and one solid-state – were selected and integrated into a pneumatically-actuated snake-like soft robot using stretchable electronic cabling. The robot was then demonstrated at the Idaho National Laboratory’s Critical Infrastructure Test Range Complex. The robot maneuvered through a pseudo-constrained corridor containing several sealed sources and the integrated spectrometers collected spectra at various points along the path of travel. Both spectrometers successfully collected spectra with identifiable, isotope-specific peaks. To evaluate the effect of contamination buildup on the collected spectra, the robot with the integrated scintillation detector was tested using a liquid radioactive source. The resulting spectra showed little detection interference from the liquid contamination; however, a short-lived isotope was used which may not be representative of longer-lived contamination.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Part-scale evolution of fine-scale microstructural heterogeneity in solid-state additive manufacturing

Current solid-state additive manufacturing methods, refined through costly and time-consuming trial and error, have spurred interest in computational models that replicate material behavior under typical thermomechanical conditions (e.g., strain-rate ~ 102 s−1). These models, however, struggle to capture time-dependent microstructural evolution. In this work, Additive Friction-Stir Deposition (AFSD) is used as a representative case study for part-scale quantification of microstructure evolution at a fine spatial resolution (200 μm) by examining a liquid-nitrogen-cooled stop-action build via energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction coupled with a multi-channel detector. These results inform modeling efforts by linking process asymmetry to stored plastic strain, residual elastic strain, and texture development, and unlike current state-of-the-art characterization methods (e.g., EBSD or neutron diffraction), this approach provides both the spatial resolution and collection efficiency necessary to quantify fine-scale microstructural heterogeneity over large component volumes. As such, this technique provides essential validation data for computational models, e.g., crystal plasticity, enabling future prediction of heterogeneous behavior in AFSD and other additive manufacturing processes.

Franz, Cole [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000213465881)↗

DOE OSTI2025

Information theory optimization of signals from small-angle scattering measurements

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of particles in solution informs on the conformational states and assemblies of biological macromolecules (bioSAXS) outside of cryo- and solid-state conditions. In bioSAXS, the SAXS measurement under dilute conditions is resolution limited, and through an inverse Fourier transform, the measured SAXS intensities directly relate to the physical space occupied by the particles via the P (r)-distribution. Yet, this inverse transform of SAXS data has been historically cast as an ill-posed, ill-conditioned problem requiring an indirect approach. Here, we show that through the applications of matrix and information theories, the inverse transform of SAXS intensity data is a well-conditioned problem. The so-called ill-conditioning of the inverse problem is directly related to the Shannon number. By exploiting the oversampling enabled by modern detectors, a direct inverse Fourier transform of the SAXS data is possible, provided the recovered information does not exceed the Shannon number. The Shannon limit corresponds to the maximum number of significant singular values that can be recovered in a SAXS experiment, suggesting this relationship is a fundamental property of band-limited inverse integral transform problems. This correspondence reduces the complexity of the inverse problem to the Shannon limit and maximum dimension. We propose a hybrid scoring function using an information theory framework that assesses both the quality of the model-data fit as well as the quality of the recovered P (r)-distribution. The hybrid score utilizes the Akaike information criteria and Durbin-Watson statistic that considers parameter-model complexity, i.e., degrees of freedom, and the randomness of the model-data residuals. The described tests and findings extend the boundaries for bioSAXS by completing the information theory formalism initiated by Peter B. Moore to enable a quantitative measure of resolution in SAXS, robustly determine maximum dimension, and more precisely define the best parameter model appropriately representing the observed scattering data.

Rambo, Robert P. [Science and Technology Facilitie↗