Container for radiation detector

The present invention refers to the field of radiation detectors and, more particularly, to the containers of such detectors.

The subject-matter of the patent concerns a flexible container for the protection of hyper-pure germanium (HPGe) detectors. It provides a cheap, efficient and functional alternative to rigid aluminium containers.

How does it work?

Hyper-pure germanium detectors are typically protected by a 1 mm-thick aluminium cylindrical container. Between the detector and the inner surface of the container there is a gap of a few tenths of a mm which together with the rigid container, prevents the detectors from fully approaching one another, resulting in a reduction in sensitive volume and efficiency. The invention consists in using soft, flexible techno-polymer socks, i.e. rubbers or plastics a few hundredths of a mm thick, which adapt perfectly over the surface of the detector, reducing dead spaces. The materials have been selected so as not to induce further electronic noise and their elasticity allows the detector to be incorporated together with the connection structures. Finally, the chemical composition of the materials and their reduced thickness avoid shielding effects and secondary radiation.

Applications

• Medicine: diagnostics, dosimetry, nuclear medicine, imaging;
• Control: import-export of radioactive metals, anti-terrorism;
• nuclear physics.

Advantages

• Reduction of the component and machining costs;
• Homogeneous coating that simplifies post-processing;
• Greater sensitive volume, less shielding losses and reduced background noise;
• Non-abrasive insulating material, ideal for delicate electrical contacts and germanium crystal surface;
• Compatibility with all flange types and materials.