Title:

Size and Power Reduction in Mobile Gamma-Ray Spectrometer Systems

Speaker:

Dr. Walter McNeil

Affiliation:

Kansas State

When:

Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 11:00:00 AM   Add to Calendar

Where:

Boggs Building, Room 3-47

Host:

Dr, Nolan Hertel
nolan.hertel@me.gatech.edu

Abstract

Spectroscopic gamma-ray detection systems are complex and require a multidisciplinary engineering approach to enhance performance in size and power consumption. Both performance parameters are critical to achieve greater portability and to improve capability with modern day platforms, such as autonomous vehicles. Modern methods will be discussed to improve size and power of these systems including a new form of photomultiplier tube coupled to a custom low-power ASIC for scintillation photon readout along with challenges in design for quantum efficiency and collection efficiencies with photoelectron and secondary emission electron transport in a multi-dynode structure. Another topic will be introduced including electronic circuit fabrication in 3-Dimensional layouts to improve volumetric utilization. Lastly, results will be presented of a recent dirty-bomb contamination mapping effort using UAV mounted sensors which include a virtual environment constructed from imagery of the test site.

Biography

Walter McNeil arrived at Kansas State University in 2015 and has established the Radiological Systems Integration Laboratory (RSIL) to research new technologies and methods in radiation detection and applications including new sensor designs, read-out techniques, and computational methods. Before transferring to Kansas State University, he worked as a Nuclear Engineer at the Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific which is now called the Naval Information Warfare Center (NWIC). In that role he directed several engineers in developing custom mobile radiation detection systems for numerous customers whose needs were not met by commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. These systems included portal monitors, vehicle-mounted, man-portable, handheld, and underwater systems. His experience spans over proportional counters, scintillation-type gamma-ray spectrometers, and even portable cryogenically cooled HPGe radiological isotope identifiers.

Notes

Refreshments will be served.