Mems-Based Capacitive Gamma Radiation Detector
Abstract
Personal radiation detectors can be used to detect radioactive sources, measure the dose of radiation exposure, or alert those exposed to radiation energy. Applications vary from law enforcement to medical, scientific, power generation and hazardous material (HAZMAT) detection. Most of the currently used dosimeters are either single-use film badges which do not provide a direct reading and need further treatment after irradiation exposure, or direct-reading electronic pagers which might have limited capabilities to measure accumulated dose. In this thesis the development of a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-based gamma radiation detector was investigated. Research on a new approach that would bring compact, low-cost, low-power radiation sensing capabilities was conducted. Multiple detection configurations and materials were researched. For the purpose of the thesis, materials whose physical properties change upon interaction with gamma radiation energy sources were evaluated. Applicable methods to recover exposed material to its initial properties were investigated, so that repeatability of the measurements could be achieved. Manufacturing of miniaturized sensors by incorporating MEMS technology was eventually demonstrated. The possibility to develop a device about the size of a postage stamp to be plugged into a mobile device to detect and process sensor data was successfully investigated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1225645
Entities
People
- Nikolaos Vidalis
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School