High-Radiation-Tolerant Vision System for Nuclear Physics

Improvements and advances are needed in vision system technologies for high-radiation environments, specifically in the operation and remote handling of equipment in radiation fields at rare isotope production facilities. Currently, visual inspection systems for Nuclear Physics applications are extremely limited. Radiation-hardened commercial vision systems using vidicon cameras are not radiation-tolerant at the levels required for Nuclear Physics. In addition, they utilize electron beams to produce an image, precluding operation in high magnetic field applications such as at Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Charge-coupled devices (CCD) and Charge-injected devices (CID) vision systems have very limited radiation tolerance compared to vidicon-based systems. To address these needs, Vega Wave Systems will develop a radiation hardened vision system for Nuclear Physics Applications with at least 640x480 resolution for prolonged lifetime in high-neutron-flux environments that will work in the presence of high magnetic fields and be compatible with high vacuum environments for Nuclear Physics applications such as FRIB. Visual inspection systems for remote inspection in radioactive environments, or for investigating nuclear accident conditions are extremely limited. Commercially available vision systems cannot survive in the extremely high radiation levels. In this program, Vega Wave Systems, Inc. will design and fabricate a high radiation tolerant vision inspection system. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The vision system developed in this program will enable improved inspection of remote handling of radioactive materials for nuclear physics. This will also be useful for nuclear energy systems, spent fuel, and nuclear accident sites.