KR102025662B1 - Apparatus and method for detecting neutron ray and x-ray - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation detection apparatus for detecting X-rays and neutron rays and a method thereof. The radiation detection apparatus comprises: a radiation detection unit detecting X-rays or neutron rays which are irradiated from a radiation generation device to pass through an object to be searched; and a synchronization system synchronizing an irradiation time of the X-rays or the neutron rays of the radiation generation device and a detection time of the radiation detection unit. Accordingly, a sensor for detecting the neutron rays and the X-rays by using a single sensor can be implemented to reduce costs.

Description

Apparatus and method for detecting neutron rays and X-rays {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING NEUTRON RAY AND X-RAY}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting radiation that can detect neutron rays and X-rays together.

Non-destructive testing refers to externally inspecting the inside of a product without destroying the product. In addition, a non-destructive inspection system refers to a set of equipment for implementing a non-destructive inspection. Non-destructive testing and non-destructive testing systems are used in a variety of fields, including healthcare, security, and quarantine.

Examples of nondestructive testing systems vary. One of them is a container detector using radiation. For example, at a port or airport, a container detector is installed for inspection of cargo or mail. The container detector refers to a device that irradiates a container loaded with import and export cargo and radiates an image obtained from the container and inspects whether an unauthorized item or dangerous material is loaded in the container.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-1304104 (August 29, 2013) discloses a cargo search device as an example of the container searcher. The cargo retrieval apparatus disclosed in the patent document is formed to use X-rays and neutron beams simultaneously. The reason for using heterogeneous radiation together is that only one radiation has a limit of detection.

For example, in the case of irradiating only X-rays, the shape of the object to be searched can be seen with the naked eye, but the substance information of the object to be searched cannot be known. However, there is a limit in resolution for accurate classification of search objects.

On the other hand, in the conventional cargo retrieval device using X-rays and neutron beams, the X-ray detector and the neutron detector are separated from each other, so that the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator and the neutral ray generator are generated. When the irradiated neutral rays are irradiated to one search object, the X-ray detector detects X-rays passing through the search object to know the shape information of the search object, and the neutron beam detector detects the neutrons that have passed through the search object. It is configured to detect material information of search object by detecting line.

However, the conventional X-ray imaging module for detecting X-rays and the neutron beam imaging module for detecting neutron beams are manufactured separately from each other, which increases manufacturing costs and takes up a lot of installation space.

In addition, when the conventional combined radiation security screening device should be configured as a mobile type, since there are two radiation generating devices and two image modules, it is difficult to implement the mobile screening device due to the limitation of volume and weight.

An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation detection apparatus and method that can reduce the cost by implementing a sensor that detects neutron / X-ray together with a single sensor.

In addition, the present invention is a radiation detection apparatus and method that can be applied to the development of a mobile complex radiation security detector by integrating the radiation image sensor module that was separated into two existing one as well as easy transportation and miniaturization and weight reduction of the equipment There is another purpose to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the radiation detection device according to the present invention, the radiation detection unit for detecting the X-rays or neutron beams irradiated from the radiation generating device and passed through the search object; And a synchronization system for synchronizing the time of irradiation of the X-ray or neutron beam of the radiation generating device with the time of detection of the radiation detecting unit.

According to an example related to the present invention, the X-rays or neutron beams may be generated with a predetermined time difference alternately from the radiation generator and irradiated toward the radiation detection unit.

According to an example related to the present invention, the radiation detection unit may detect the X-rays or the neutron beam according to the synchronization signal generated by the synchronization system.

According to an example related to the present invention, the radiation detection unit may include: a radiation detection body extending in a vertical direction and formed in a rectangular pillar shape; A plurality of radiation image sensor modules installed in the radiation detection main body to detect X-rays or neutron beams irradiated from the radiation generating apparatus, wherein each of the plurality of radiation image sensor modules includes the X An X-ray scintillator which interacts with the rays to emit flashes; A neutron scintillator which interacts with the neutron beam and emits flash; And a photodetector for detecting the flash emitted from the X-ray scintillator or the neutron scintillator.

According to an embodiment related to the present invention, the photodetector may be formed on both sides of the silicon substrate or by attaching two photodetectors formed on a single surface of the silicon substrate.

According to an example related to the present invention, the photodetector includes: a first photodetector having a first substrate and mounting the X-ray scintillator on one side of the first substrate; And a second photodetector having a second substrate, the second photodetector mounting the neutron scintillator on one side of the second substrate, and attaching the other side of the first substrate and the other side of the second substrate to face each other. Thus, the first photodetector and the second photodetector may be integrally formed.

According to another example related to the present invention, the first and second photodetectors may be integrally formed on one sheet of the substrate by using a semiconductor double-sided process.

According to another embodiment related to the present invention, the first photodetector is activated upon irradiation of the X-ray according to the synchronization signal of the synchronization system, and the second photodetector is the neutron according to the synchronization signal of the synchronization system. It can be activated during irradiation of the line.

According to the radiation detection method according to the present invention, the step of irradiating the search object with X-rays or neutron beams generated from the radiation generator at a time difference; Detecting X-rays or neutron beams passing through the search object, Detecting the X-rays or neutron beams, the irradiation time of the X-rays or neutron beams emitted from the radiation generating device and the Synchronizing the time of detection of the X-rays or the neutron beam.

According to the security scanner associated with the present invention, a transfer system for transferring a search object; A radiation generating device for irradiating the search object with an X-ray or a neutron beam at a time difference in a direction crossing the transport direction of the search object so as to pass through the search object; And a radiation detection device for detecting X-rays or neutron beams passing through the search object, wherein the radiation detection device generates a synchronization signal when irradiating X-rays or neutron rays with a time difference from the radiation generation device. Synchronization system; And a radiation detection unit for detecting the X-rays or the neutron beams according to the synchronization signal.

The radiation detection apparatus and method according to the present invention are described as follows.

First, a scintillator and a photodetector for detecting X-rays and neutron beams are formed in front and rear, so that a single radiation image sensor capable of detecting X-rays and neutron beams together with one sensor can be realized.

Second, by irradiating X-rays and neutron beams alternately from the radiation generator with time difference, synchronizing the radiation generator and the radiation detection device, and treating the two signals of X-rays and neutron beams according to the synchronization signal, Images with material information can be implemented while maintaining the resolution.

Third, by developing a complex radiation detection device that can grasp substance information by using neutrons, which is differentiated from the technology that only depended on X-rays in the past, a security detector for establishing a social terrorism network for terrorism and a radiation imaging device that implements it in Korea In-house development can secure original technology.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing a security scanner according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual view illustrating a side view of the security scanner along II-II in FIG. 1.
3 is a conceptual view illustrating a radiographic image sensor module taken along III-III in FIG. 2.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along IV-IV in FIG. 3.
5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which a radiation generator and a radiation detection unit are synchronized by a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating X-rays and neutron signals detected according to signal synchronization of a synchronization system in FIG. 5.
7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which a complex radiation detection unit is synchronized with a radiation generator by a synchronization system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, but are not limited to the technical spirit disclosed herein by the accompanying drawings, all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should be understood to include equivalents and substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but it may be understood that other components may be present in between. Should be. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this application, the terms "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or a combination thereof.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing a security scanner 10 according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a conceptual view showing a side view of the security scanner 10 along II-II in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a III in Figure 2 4 is a conceptual view showing the radiation image sensor module 212 as a cross-sectional view taken along the line -III, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a synchronization system 22 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the radiation generating device 17 and the radiation detection unit 21 are synchronized.

The security scanner 10 is configured to irradiate the radiation object 1 on the search object 13 to obtain an image inside the search object 13 therefrom. To this end, the security checker 10 includes a security checkpoint, a radiation generating device 17 and a radiation detection device 20.

The search object 13 may be disposed to be movable while being placed on the security checkpoint. The search object 13 may include a container, a travel bag for a security search, and the like.

The security checkpoint includes a transport system 14 for transporting the search object 13 in left and right directions. The conveying system 14 may include a conveying frame 15, a plurality of rotating shafts 16, and a driving unit (not shown).

The transfer frame 15 is formed to extend in the left side direction, and the plurality of transfer frames 15 may be spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

Each of the plurality of rotary shafts 16 extends in a direction crossing the plurality of transfer frames 15 and is spaced apart in the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and both sides of each of the rotary shafts 16 are rotatably mounted to the transfer frame. Can be supported.

The plurality of rotating shafts 16 are connected to each other by a chain, and a driving unit such as a motor is connected to any of the rotating shafts 16 of the plurality of rotating shafts 16, and the rotating shafts 16 rotate as the driving unit rotates. Can be. The search object 13 may be transported along the longitudinal direction of the transport frame 15 by contacting the plurality of rotating shafts 16 that rotate.

The radiation generating apparatus 17 is configured to generate radiation 1. For example, after accelerating the electron beam generated in the electron gun in the electron accelerator, the accelerated electron beam is impinged on the target, and radiation 1 may be generated from the target.

The radiation generator 17 is configured to alternately generate the X-rays 11 and the neutron beams 12 at various times among the various types of radiation 1. For example, the X-ray 11 and the neutron beam 12 may be irradiated alternately with a time difference of 300 ~ 400 Hz.

The X-ray 11 or the neutron beam 12 is irradiated from the radiation generating device 17 so as to pass through the search object 13 moving along the transfer frame 15.

The X-ray 11 is irradiated to the search object 13 to retrieve the shape information of the search object 13, the neutron beam 12 is the material information of the search object 13, for example, PVC, Graphite, The search object 13 is irradiated to search for sugar, wood, glass, radioactive material, Al, Fe, Pb, and the like.

The radiation 1 detection device is configured to detect the X-ray 11 or the neutron beam 12 that has passed through the search object 13. The radiation 1 detection device is disposed opposite the security checkpoint so as to face the radiation generation device 17.

To this end, the radiation detection unit 21 includes a radiation detection body 211, a radiation image sensor module 212, and a synchronization system 22.

The radiation detecting body 211 may be configured in the form of a rectangular pillar extending in the vertical direction. The radiation detecting body 211 is configured such that the front surface 2111 transmits the radiation 1 based on the direction in which the radiation 1 is irradiated.

The radiation image sensor module 212 may be installed to be stacked in plural in the radiation detection main body 211. In order to prevent the plurality of radiation image sensor modules 212 from being distorted upon detection of the radiation 1, the plurality of radiation image sensor modules 212 are closer toward the front surface 2111 toward the front surface 2111 in the upward direction from the bottom of the radiation detection body 211 and curved at a predetermined curvature. Can be stacked.

The plurality of radiation image sensor modules 212 positioned below the radiation detection main body 211 are disposed adjacent to the rear surface 2112 of the radiation detection main body 211, and the plurality of radiation image sensor modules 212 is positioned above the radiation detection main body 211. The radiation image sensor module 212 may be disposed adjacent to the front surface 2111 of the radiation detection main body 211.

According to this configuration, the plurality of radiation image sensor modules 212 may be spaced at substantially the same distance from the radiation generating device 17.

The plurality of radiation image sensor modules 212 may include an X-ray scintillator 2132, a neutron scintillator 2133, and a photodetector 213.

X-ray scintillator 2132 is adapted to interact with X-ray 11 to emit flashes by X-ray 11. As the X-ray scintillator 2132 absorbs energy from the incident X-rays 11 and returns to the excited state, the X-ray scintillator 2132 generates an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength corresponding to the energy difference between the excited state and the ground state. Emit light.

Neutron scintillator 2133 is adapted to interact with neutron beam 12 to emit flashes by neutron beam 12. The neutron scintillator 2133 absorbs energy from the incident neutron beam 12 and becomes excited, and as it returns to the ground state, it emits light by emitting an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength corresponding to the energy difference between the excited state and the ground state. Generate.

The photodetector 213 may include a substrate 2131, and the X-ray scintillator 2132 and the neutron scintillator 2133 may be mounted on both surfaces of the substrate 2131 through a semiconductor process. Photodetector 213 is configured to detect flashes generated from X-ray scintillator 2132 or neutron scintillator 2133. The photodetector 213 absorbs the generated flash and converts light energy into electrical energy to generate a current. The photodetector 213 may penetrate the search object 13 and detect the radiation 1 containing the substance and the image information, respectively.

Here, the synchronization system 22 serves to synchronize the radiation generator 17 and the radiation detection unit 21.

The synchronization system 22 receives a signal from the radiation generator 17 and outputs an X-ray 11 or neutron beam 12 synchronization signal.

The photodetector 213 may receive a synchronization signal from the synchronization system 22 and may detect only a signal corresponding to the X-ray 11 or the neutron.

For example, when the X-ray 11 is irradiated from the radiation generator 17, the synchronization system 22 outputs a synchronization signal corresponding to the X-ray 11 and sends it to the photodetector 213, The detector 213 may detect the X-ray 11 flash generated by the X-ray scintillator 2132 and may implement an image containing shape information by the signal detected by the photodetector 213.

In addition, when the neutron beam 12 is irradiated from the radiation generator 17, the synchronization system 22 outputs a synchronization signal corresponding to the neutron beam 12 to the photodetector 213, the photodetector 213 Detects the neutron beam (12) flash generated by the neutron beam 12, it is possible to implement an image containing the material information by the signal detected from the photodetector (213).

The X-rays 11 and the neutron beams 12 are generated and irradiated alternately with the time difference in the radiation generator 17, and the radiation detection unit 21 receives the synchronization signal from the synchronization system 22 and receives the X- Since the detection time of the line 11 or the neutron beam 12 is synchronized with the irradiation time of the X-ray 11 or the neutron beam 12, the X-ray 11 detection signal and the neutron beam 12 detection signal are transferred. Can be distinguished.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an X-ray 11 and a neutron signal detected according to signal synchronization of the synchronization system 22 in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the X-ray 11 and the neutron beam 12 are irradiated with the X-ray 11 and the neutron scintillator 2133 alternately with a time difference from the radiation generator 17, the photodetector ( The 213 receives the synchronization signal corresponding to the X-ray 11 or the neutron beam 12 from the synchronization system 22 to detect the X-ray 11 or the neutron beam 12 separately.

In FIG. 6, the graph on the left side of the radiation image sensor module 212 indicates that the X-rays 11 and the neutron beams 12 are incident to the radiation image sensor module 212 alternately with a time difference. Indicates that the X-ray 11 and the neutron beam 12 are detected according to the synchronization of the signals.

In the bar graph on the left, the size of the rectangular bar is different to distinguish the X-rays 11 and the neutron beams 12. The bar of the right triangle in the right graph is similarly the incident signal of the radiation (1). (Rectangular bar) to form a right triangle to distinguish, and the size of the right triangle is also to distinguish the X-ray (11) and the neutron beam (12).

In FIG. 6, when the left graph and the right graph are compared, the incident signals 11 and 12 of the left X-ray and the neutron beam and the detection signals 11 'and 12' of the right X-ray and the neutron beam are synchronized with each other and have a one-to-one relationship. Correspondingly arranged.

According to this configuration, the X-ray image sensor module and the neutron beam image sensor module may be combined with a single sensor to detect the X-ray 11 and the neutron beam 12 together.

In addition, since the radiation generating device 17 and the radiation detecting device 20 are synchronized by the synchronization system 22, only the signals corresponding to the X-rays 11 and the neutron beams 12 are received and reconstructed, and the existing resolution While maintaining the image can be implemented to contain the material information.

In addition, by combining the existing X-ray detection unit and each of the neutron detection unit with a single radiation detection unit 21 to implement the image of the composite radiation security detector 10, by reducing the cost of the image module of the container detector The production cost can be greatly reduced.

In addition, by reducing the existing X-ray detection unit and the neutron detection unit by one composite radiation detection unit 21, it can greatly contribute to the miniaturization and light weight of the radiographic image module, and the future mobile composite radiation (1) security detector (10). It is also applicable to development.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which a complex radiation detection unit 31 is synchronized with a radiation generator 17 by a synchronization system 22 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The photodetector 313 may be composed of a first photodetector 313a and a second photodetector 313b.

The first photodetector 313a may include a first substrate 3131, and the X-ray scintillator 3133 may be bonded to one side of the first substrate 3131 by a semiconductor process.

In addition, the second photodetector 313b may include a second substrate 3132, and the neutron scintillator 3134 may be bonded to one side of the second substrate 3132 by a semiconductor process.

The other side surface of the first substrate 3131 and the other side surface of the second substrate 2131 may be attached to face each other, such that the first photodetector 313a and the second photodetector 313b may be integrally formed with each other.

The first photodetector 313a and the second photodetector 313b may be synchronized with the radiation generator 17 by the synchronization system 22.

According to this configuration, when the X-ray 11 is irradiated from the radiation generator 17, the second photodetector 313b which has received the synchronization signal from the synchronization system 22 is deactivated, and the first photodetector 313a is deactivated. May be activated to receive only the X-rays 11 passing through the search object 13 to implement an image of the X-rays 11 having the shape information.

When the neutron beam 12 is irradiated from the radiation generator 17, the first photodetector 313a, which has received the synchronization signal from the synchronization system 22, is deactivated, and the second photodetector 313b is activated to search for the target object ( The image of the neutron beam 12 having material information may be implemented by receiving only the neutron beam 12 passing through 13).

10: security scanner 1: radiation
11: X-ray 12: neutron beam
13: Search Object 14: Transfer System
15: transfer frame 16: rotation axis
17: radiation generating device 20: radiation detecting device
21: radiation detection unit 211: radiation detection main body
2111: front side 2112: rear side
212: radiation image sensor module 213: photodetector
2131: substrate 2132, 3133: X-ray scintillator
2133,3134: Neutron Flash 22: Synchronization System
313: photodetector 313a: first photodetector
3131: first substrate 313b: second photodetector
3132: second substrate

Claims (9)

A radiation detection unit that detects X-rays or neutron rays that have been irradiated from the radiation generator and passed through the search object; And
And a synchronization system for synchronizing the time of irradiation of X-rays or neutron rays of the radiation generating device with the time of detection of the radiation detection unit,
The radiation detection unit,
A radiation detection body;
A plurality of radiation image sensor modules installed in the radiation detection main body to detect X-rays or neutron beams irradiated from the radiation generator,
Each of the plurality of radiation image sensor modules,
An X-ray scintillator which interacts with the X-ray to emit flashes;
A neutron scintillator which interacts with the neutron beam and emits flash; And
A photodetector for detecting the light emitted from said X-ray scintillator or said neutron scintillator,
The photodetector,
A first photodetector having a first substrate and mounting the X-ray scintillator on one side of the first substrate; And
And a second photodetector having a second substrate and mounting the neutron scintillator on one side of the second substrate, and attaching the other side of the first substrate and the other side of the second substrate to face each other. Wherein the first photodetector and the second photodetector are integrally formed;
Radiation detection device. The method of claim 1,
The X-rays or neutron rays are generated with a predetermined time difference alternately from each other from the radiation generating device is characterized in that it is irradiated toward the radiation detection unit,
Radiation detection device. The method of claim 1,
The radiation detection unit,
Characterized in that for detecting the X-rays or neutron beams according to the synchronization signal generated in the synchronization system,
Radiation detection device. delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
The first photodetector is activated upon irradiation of the X-rays according to a synchronization signal of the synchronization system,
The second photodetector is activated upon irradiation of the neutron beam according to a synchronization signal of the synchronization system,
Radiation detection device. Irradiating the search object with X-rays or neutron rays generated from the radiation generator at a time difference;
And a radiation detecting unit detecting the X-rays or neutron beams passing through the search object,
Detecting the X-rays or neutron rays,
Synchronizing the time of irradiation of the x-rays or neutron beams emitted from the radiation generating device with the time of detection of the X-rays or neutron beams;
The radiation detection unit,
A radiation detection body;
A plurality of radiation image sensor modules installed in the radiation detection main body to detect X-rays or neutron beams irradiated from the radiation generator,
Each of the plurality of radiation image sensor modules,
An X-ray scintillator which interacts with the X-ray to emit flashes;
A neutron scintillator which interacts with the neutron beam and emits flash; And
A photodetector for detecting the light emitted from said X-ray scintillator or said neutron scintillator,
The photodetector,
A first photodetector having a first substrate and mounting the X-ray scintillator on one side of the first substrate; And
And a second photodetector having a second substrate and mounting the neutron scintillator on one side of the second substrate, and attaching the other side of the first substrate and the other side of the second substrate to face each other. And the first photodetector and the second photodetector are integrally formed. A transfer system for transferring a search object;
A radiation generating device for irradiating the search object with an X-ray or a neutron beam at a time difference in a direction crossing the transport direction of the search object so as to pass through the search object; And
A radiation detection device for detecting X-rays or neutron beams passing through the search object;
The radiation detection device,
A synchronization system for generating a synchronization signal when irradiating X-rays or neutron rays with a time difference from the radiation generator; And
A radiation detection unit for detecting the X-rays or neutron rays in accordance with the synchronization signal,
The radiation detection unit,
A radiation detection body;
A plurality of radiation image sensor modules installed in the radiation detection main body to detect X-rays or neutron beams irradiated from the radiation generator,
Each of the plurality of radiation image sensor modules,
An X-ray scintillator which interacts with the X-ray to emit flashes;
A neutron scintillator which interacts with the neutron beam and emits flash; And
A photodetector for detecting the light emitted from said X-ray scintillator or said neutron scintillator,
The photodetector,
A first photodetector having a first substrate and mounting the X-ray scintillator on one side of the first substrate; And
And a second photodetector having a second substrate and mounting the neutron scintillator on one side of the second substrate, and attaching the other side of the first substrate and the other side of the second substrate to face each other. And the first photodetector and the second photodetector are integrally formed.

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