不同厚度像素CdZnTe探测器的性能测试和评估

碲锌镉材料(CdZnTe)是目前探测X射线和γ射线的最好材料之一。将241 Am和137 Cs辐射源作用于像素CdZnTe探测器,通过实验和仿真分别得到能量谱估计、能量分辨率和峰值效率。由实验和仿真结果得出:在662keV的高能量下,厚度较大的CdZnTe探测器可获得更高的能量分辨率和峰值效率,但在59.5keV低能处会出现拖尾升高和电荷损失的现象;厚度较薄的探测器在低能处的特性反而更好。     

面向脉冲星导航的聚焦型X射线探测器测试标定方法研究

通过脉冲星辐射信号特征研究和空间观测需求分析,提出了一种面向导航应用的X射线探测器测试方法.首先推导了X射线光子欠探测概率公式,分析了不同星源流量及不同探测器时间分辨率下对光子探测能力的影响.通过数值模拟方法建立了脉冲到达时间与脉冲轮廓相似度的关系.处理了我国硬X射线调制望远镜的Crab脉冲星观测数据,研究了不同能段脉冲轮廓差异.其次,系统地研究了面向导航应用的X射线探测器测试及处理方法,并利用地面测试系统完成了一款自主研发的聚焦型X射线探测器测试工作.通过数据分析得到,聚焦型探测器本底噪声为3.63×10-5ph/(cm~2·s~(-1)),工作能区为0.2～22.7keV,时间分辨率为4.17μs,空间响应约为5′,能量非线性为0.52%,能量分辨率优于200eV@5.7keV,典型探测效率为39.18%@4.51keV.聚焦型X射线探测器在弱脉冲信号及强背景噪声下,均能还原出Crab脉冲星脉冲轮廓,在2 400s内能够探测到辐射流量弱于背景噪声10倍的脉冲信号.结果表明,该款聚焦型探测器性能优秀,能够满足导航脉冲星(如PSR B1509)的空间观测需求,也验证了测试方法的可行性.     

直接解调方法在嫦娥一号卫星X射线谱仪地面验证实验数据分析中的应用

"嫦娥一号"卫星是我国的第一颗月球探测卫星,运行轨道高度为200 km,预计工作寿命为一年,其上配备的X射线成像谱仪具备了对月表进行X射线探测、成像和对太阳X射线进行监测的功能.该X射线谱仪由两个全同的探测器阵列组成,其中,为了实现对月表主要化学元素分布及其含量进行探测的科学目标,在每个探测器阵列还配备了2个低能探测器单元.这4路低能探测器单元的面积为25 mm2,采用的都是厚度为500 μm,具有优良探测性能的Si-PIN探测器,其探测能区为1～10 keV,能量分辨率为～5%@5.9 kev.文章主要介绍了嫦娥一号卫星X射线谱仪的地面验证实验,并且根据X射线谱仪的能量响应矩阵,利用直接解调方法和基本参数法对X射线谱仪地面验证实验中的探测数据,特别是对盲测样品中的Mg,Al,Si等元素进行了定性和定量分析.     

ZnO:Ga晶体对硬X射线的时间及能量响应

 介绍了ZnO:Ga晶体对重复频率快脉冲硬X 射线的时间响应,利用X射线荧光分析仪测量了ZnO:Ga晶体对10～100 keV硬X射线的能量响应。结果表明:ZnO:Ga晶体对硬X射线响应的上升时间为316 ps,半高宽为440 ps;对40 keV以上的X射线的能量响应很平坦。该晶体可以作为一种新颖的硬X射线探测元件。     

一种聚焦型X射线探测器在轨性能标定方法

X射线探测器是X射线天文观测及脉冲星导航的核心器件,受发射振动、高能粒子辐射损伤及元器件老化等影响,X射线探测器空间观测性能会逐渐变化,X射线探测器在轨标定有利于观测天体X射线辐射信息的准确获取及精确建模.研究利用了脉冲星辐射能谱标定X射线探测器性能的方法,能较好地消除探测器本底及空间环境噪声的影响,通过处理脉冲星导航试验卫星(XPNAV-1卫星)的Crab脉冲星观测数据,评估了我国首款聚焦型X射线探测器的在轨性能.计算结果表明,XPNAV-1卫星上聚焦型X射线探测器的有效面积在0.6-1.9 keV能段内优于2 cm~2,其中在0.7 keV能量处取得最大值3.06 cm~2,探测效率约10%;有效面积随着探测能量增大而减小,在2—3.5 keV能段内有效面积约为1 cm~2,而大于5 keV能段的有效面积约为0.1 cm~2,且此能段估计精度明显受光子统计误差影响.同时研究了考虑能量响应矩阵的探测器有效面积标定新方法,利用地面性能测试中五个特征能谱处的能量分辨率重构其能量响应矩阵,重新标定了聚焦型X射线探测器有效面积,发现该能量响应矩阵对结果影响较小.最后建议观测某些超新星遗迹监测能量分辨率及能量线性等指标的变化.     

叠层碲锌镉探测器制备及γ能谱特性测试

实验制备了单层和叠层(双层)碲锌镉探测器,并利用241Am@59.54 keV和57Co@122 keV γ射线源测试了其γ能谱特性。相比单层探测器,对于较高能量的57Co@122 keV γ射线,叠层碲锌镉探测器表现出较高的探测效率和光峰值效率,较好地改善了康普顿连续统一体,表现出与整块等厚度碲锌镉探测器类似的性能;但光生载流子收集效率变差,能谱峰位向低道区偏移;能量分辨率未得到改善。实验初步表明,通过叠加方法制备叠层碲锌镉探测器是可行的,并可推断制备更大厚度的叠层探测器将有利于中高能γ射线能谱测量。     

空间带电粒子对X射线通信信噪比的影响

针对空间粒子环境对X射线通信系统的影响,分析了空间带电粒子,尤其是高能电子与X射线通信的收发天线——多层嵌套式X射线聚焦光学相互作用产生荧光X射线的过程;使用蒙特卡洛软件MCNP仿真了电子与聚焦光学相互作用,产生荧光X射线光子的量子效率;建立了电子枪与多层嵌套式X射线聚焦光学相互作用的数学模型并搭建相关实验平台,使用具有高能量分辨率的硅漂移探测器实测了荧光X射线的数量和能量分布,计算了荧光X射线光子对X射线通信系统信噪比的影响.实验与计算结果表明:在入射电子流量为1×108 cps/cm2/s量级,能量1~20keV时,X射线通信系统的信噪比优于15.1dB.多层嵌套式X聚焦光学可以有效地滤除空间电子对X射线通信的干扰,提高信号增益.     

标定脉冲星导航探测器的荧光X射线光源

为标定X射线脉冲星导航用探测器, 设计了一种荧光X射线源, 该射线源的工作原理是 用X射线管的出射线轰击特定荧光靶材, 从而获得能量一定的荧光X射线, 并以此作为标定探测器的荧光X射线光源. 采用硅漂移半导体探测器在大气环境下测试了按上述原理搭建的荧光X射线光源的能谱分布和光子流量, 从光子流量入手推算了该荧光X射线光源用于真空系统中对探测器进行标定的可行性. 研制出了荧光X射线光源样机, 并在真空系统中对荧光X射线光源样机光子流量做了测试. 在探测距离D_x=300 cm, X射线管管流I_a=200 μA时, 所测得的荧光X射线光源光子流量可达19.57 ph/s@4.51 keV, 25.22 ph/s@5.41 keV, 33.27 ph/s@8.05 keV, 确认了所提方法的可行性, 获得了标定探测器的荧光X射线光源.     

一种基于热释电效应的X射线荧光分析谱仪

利用热释电晶体实现了一个X射线激发源,并以此激发源和高能量分辨率的硅漂移探测器构建了一个X射线荧光分析谱仪。首先通过分析计算热释电晶体厚度和靶厚度对产生X射线的影响选定了激发源的设计参数;然后测量了激发源发射的X射线本底,其能量范围在1～27 keV,包含有Cu和Ta的特征X射线,最大强度在每秒3 000个计数以上,对本底的测量同时显示出谱仪的探测器部分对Cu的8.05 keV特征峰的分辨率达到210 eV,具有很高的能量分辨率;最后使用该谱仪测试了Fe,Ti和Cr等三种单质样品和高钛玄武岩样品,测试结果表明该谱仪可以有效的分析出样品的元素成分。由于这种X射线荧光分析谱仪的各组成部分体积都很小,进一步便携化后非常适合于非破坏、现场和快速的元素分析场合。     

CdZnTe像素探测器的电输运性能

碲锌镉(CdZnTe)是一种性能优异的室温核辐射半导体探测器材料,广泛应用于核安全、核医学以及空间科学等领域.然而,传统的CdZnTe平面探测器受制于"空穴拖尾"效应的影响,探测性能有待改善.采用改进的垂直布里奇曼法生长的In掺杂Cd_(0.9)Zn_(0.1)Te单晶制备出单载流子收集的4×4像素阵列探测器,通过电流-电压(I-V)测试和γ射线能谱响应测试,研究了像素探测器的电学性能和载流子电输运性能,随之与相应的CdZnTe平面探测器进行了性能对比.结果表明,CdZnTe像素探测器的电阻率约为1.73×10~(10)?·cm,且施加100 V偏压后单像素点的最大漏电流小于2.2 nA;当施加偏压升高至300 V时,单像素点对~(241)Am@59.5 keV的γ射线的最佳能量分辨率可达5.78%,探测性能优于相同条件下制备的CdZnTe平面探测器.     

Combining CdTe and Si detectors for Energy‐Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence

Most energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) instruments use Si diodes as X‐ray detectors. These provide very high energy resolution, but their sensitivity falls off at energies of 10–20 keV. They are well suited for measuring the K lines of elements with Z < 40, but for heavier elements, one must use K lines at low efficiency or use L or M lines that often overlap other lines. Either is a challenge for accurate quantitative analysis. CdTe detectors offer much higher efficiency at high energy but poorer energy resolution compared with Si diodes. In many important EDXRF measurements, both high and low Z elements are present. In this paper, we will compare the precision and accuracy of systems using the following: (1) a high resolution Si detector, (2) a high efficiency CdTe detector, and (3) a composite system using both detectors. We will show that CdTe detectors generally offer better analytical results than even a high resolution silicon drift detectors for K lines greater than 20 or 25 keV, whereas the high resolution Si detectors are much better at lower energies. We will also show the advantages of a combined system, using both detectors. Although a combined system would be more expensive, the increased accuracy, precision, and throughput will often outweigh the small increase in cost and complexity. The systems will be compared for representative applications that include both high and low Z elements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

15～600 keV脉冲硬X射线能谱测量

介绍了基于吸收法的脉冲硬X射线能谱测量的基本原理及设计思路,完成了探测器及吸收片的选型,设计了射线准直系统,研究了散射对测量的影响,以12路PIN探测器阵列及铜、铝吸收片为测量核心部件研制了脉冲硬X射线能谱测量系统。实验测量了真空环境下"闪光二号"加速器串级二极管产生的脉冲硬X射线强度,获得了不同衰减程度的实验波形,通过解谱获得了脉冲硬X射线的能谱,光子最高能量约600 keV,平均能量约89.1 keV,与理论计算的结果比较符合。     

双层并联碲锌镉探测器制备及性能测试

实验采用并联方法制备了叠层(双层)碲锌镉探测器,并利用241Am@59.54 keV和57Co@122 keV γ射线源测试了其γ能谱特性。相比单层探测器,对于较高能量的57Co@122 keV γ射线,叠层碲锌镉探测器表现出较高的探测效率和光峰值效率,较好地改善了康普顿连续统一体。叠层CZT探测器较之单层探测器,能谱分辨率发生轻微恶化。实验初步表明,通过并联叠加方法制备叠层碲锌镉探测器是可行的,并可推断制备更大厚度的叠层探测器将有利于中高能γ射线能谱测量。     

Performances of a prototype point-contact germanium detector immersed in liquid nitrogen for light dark matter search

The CDEX-10 experiment searches for light weakly interacting massive particles, a form of dark matter, at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory, where approximately 10 kg of germanium detectors are arranged in an array and immersed in liquid nitrogen. Herein, we report on the experimental apparatus, detector characterization, and spectrum analysis of one prototype detector. Owing to the higher rise-time resolution of the CDEX-10 prototype detector as compared with CDEX-1 B, we identified the origin of an observed category of extremely fast events. For data analysis of the CDEX-10 prototype detector, we introduced and applied an improved bulk/surface event discrimination method. The results of the new method were compared to those of the CDEX-1 B spectrum. Both sets of results showed good consistency in the 0-12 ke Vee energy range, except for the 8.0 keV K-shell X-ray peak from the external copper.     

Thin CdTe detectors mounted in back-to-back configuration: spectroscopic performance for low-energy X- and gamma-rays

Thin CdTe detectors (3×5 mm² electrode area and 0.5 mm thick) mounted in a back-to-back configuration with a common anode, have been characterized. The goal was to determine the dimensions of the detector region offering good spectroscopic performance. The detector size was chosen on the basis of previous studies performed on various detectors which have shown that the width of this “best spectroscopy region” assumes a constant value of about 0.4 mm in the device thickness range 1.0–2.5 mm, while it is largely reduced when using a smaller electrode area (2×2 mm²) and 0.5 mm thick devices. The tests were performed by irradiating the detectors with a well collimated E_X=122 keV photon beam. The results show that the edge effects observed in smaller detectors with the same configurations are significantly reduced, giving a better energy resolution, but not a wider region with good spectroscopic performance; at lower energies the effects of larger electrodes (increased electric capacitance and leakage current) result in a higher noise and an increased detection threshold.     

Integral and temporal characteristics of soft X-rays of the PF-4 plasma focus setup

Soft X-rays of a setup with a power from 1.5 to 5 kJ, operating with argon, were measured using X-ray pinhole cameras and SPPD 11-04 detectors. Integral measurements of X-rays in energy ranges above 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, and 2.5 keV were performed using a 4-frame pinhole camera with hole sizes of ～250 µm. Simultaneously, the X-ray yield was measured with time resolution in the energy region of > 1.8 keV using a semiconductor detector. X-ray characteristics were experimentally studied at a capacitor bank voltage of 8–14 kV and argon pressures from 1.2 to 3 Torr. The size of hot points was estimated using the pinhole camera with a hole size of ～20 µm as less than 13–25 µm.     

Development of a new experimental setup for studying collisions of keV-electrons with thick and thin targets

Development of a new lectron-recoil ion/photon coincidence setup for investigating some of the electron induced collision processes, such as electron bremsstrahlung, electron backscattering, innershell excitation and multiple ionization of target atoms/molecules in bombardment of electrons having energies from 2.0 keV to 30.0 keV with solid and gaseous targets is described. The new features include the use of a compact multipurpose scattering chamber, a time-of-flight spectrometer for detection of multiply charged target ions, a 45°-parallel plate electrostatic analyzer for measuring energy and angle of the ejected electrons, a room temperature high resolution Si-PIN photo diode X-ray detector for counting the collisionally induced photons, a coincidence data acquisition system consisting of a 200 MHz Pentium based 8K-multichannel analyzer and a standard network of a fast/slow coincidence electronics. In particular, the details of design, fabrication and assembly of indigenous components employed in the setup are presented. Selected experiments planned with the setup are mentioned and briefly discussed. A report on performance, optimization, efficiency, time resolution etc. of the time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer and that of the 45°-parallel plate electrostatic analyzer (PPEA) is presented. Test spectra of electron-recoil ion coincidences, energy distribution of ejected electrons and characteristic plus non-characteristic X-ray spectrum are illustrated to exhibit the satisfactory performance of the developed setup.