Novel, Low Cost, High Gain, Micropattern Detector

provide a higher resolution capability for detecting, tracking, and analyzing high and low energy neutrons, gamma rays, low energy ion beams, etc. To address this need, this project will develop a hybrid solid state sensor with an electron amplification gain on the order of 1011, positional resolutions approaching 10 µm, good potential spectral resolution, and rise times in the range of nanoseconds to picoseconds. The device will combine the best of several different detector technologies ¿ such as micropattern/GEM devices, avalanche photodiodes, and silicon photomultipliers ¿ into a high resolution, environmentally rugged, and radiation resistant structure with order-of-magnitude performance advantages. Phase I will design and model the performance of this new detector for nuclear physics applications. A proof-of-concept design will be completed and numerical simulations will be performed. If successful, an aggressive device fabrication and test program will be conducted in Phase II. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The two most important commercial applications for the new radiation detector would be medical imaging and homeland security. Medical imaging applications include lower-cost higher-resolution detection from X-ray multi-slice CT imagers, digital X-rays, PET/CT, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computed tomography angiography (CTA), scintillation mammography, and myocardial imaging. For homeland security, the detectors could be used for active and passive radiation detection systems, including portal, parcel, and cargo monitors/radiography.