On-Line Texture Diagnostics for Coated Conductor Manufacture

65576 Ionization chambers and photomultiplier tubes are commonly used in nuclear physics and other scientific research due to their sensitivity and energy resolution. However, these detectors provide very poor imaging capabilities. Alternatively, phosphor screens, photoemissive materials, and amorphous detectors are commonly used for imaging, but they provide poor sensitivity and energy resolution. This project will develop a new hybrid detector using porous dielectric conversion and amplification media combined with microwell substrates. The detector will provide the sensitivity and energy resolution of an ionization chamber with spatial resolutions of 10 lp/mm or better for imaging. Detectors, with areas greater than a square meter, capable of detecting 1 keV to 20 keV X-rays as well as alpha particles, electrons and neutrons are possible. Phase I will deposit porous dielectric material, such as CsI, on a microwell substrate to create a porous microwell detector. The detector will be tested and characterized to confirm its sensitivity and imaging capabilities and to help optimize its performance. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits: The proposed porous microwell detector should provide superior capabilities for X-ray imaging and scientific applications, including nuclear physics experiments, X-ray observations in space, medical imaging, and nondestructive testing. The total market for the resulting X-ray imager could exceed $100 million per year.