Vilnius University physicists develop precise, multi-layered radiation sensor
A new, pea-sized sensor developed at Vilnius University can accurately detect, locate, and measure the intensity of radiation across a wide dose range, distinguishing between different radiation types.
Physicists at Vilnius University's Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology have created a novel sensor capable of precisely detecting radiation, identifying its origin, and quantifying its intensity. The device can measure radiation doses from very low levels up to megagray, encompassing ranges found in industrial settings and nuclear emergencies.
According to Professor Tomas Čeponis, the sensor, smaller than a pea, utilizes a three-layer structure. Each layer interacts with radiation through distinct mechanisms, allowing the sensor to differentiate and analyze a broad spectrum of radiation signals with high accuracy. This multi-layered approach is key to its precise measurement capabilities.
The research builds upon years of study into radiation-induced material changes. The team aims to understand the fundamental physics of radiation effects and the defects it creates in semiconductors, with findings now leading to practical device prototypes. The sensor is designed to measure radiation by detecting specific alterations within its constituent materials.
Applications for the new sensor are extensive, ranging from high-energy physics experiments in laboratories to monitoring radioactivity at nuclear power plants and detecting sources at accident sites. It also holds value for industrial and civil protection purposes. The sensor's ability to operate remotely, potentially via drones, enhances safety for examining hazardous areas.
Researchers state the device can determine the predominant radiation type in an environment, how the sensor itself has been irradiated, and can register a wide range of doses and intensities. Crucially, it can accurately identify the real-time direction of incoming radiation and estimate its distance.
This development in multi-layered sensor technology offers significant advancements in radiation detection and dosimetry. The ability to precisely locate and characterize radiation in real-time, even remotely, is crucial for applications in nuclear safety, industrial monitoring, and potentially in situ measurements for space exploration or hazardous environment assessments, fitting into the broader push for more sophisticated and adaptable additive manufacturing applications.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.