KR102139936B1 - Gaseous ionization detectors having a electric light source and radiation measurement apparatus having functions of detector checking, calibration, and automatic output stabilization using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a gas region 500 where detection of radiation or gas amplification by electrons occurs, and an anode 300 and a cathode 100 that form an electric field in the gas region 500 or detect electron and cation signals ), an electric light source for generating photoelectrons 820 by photoelectric effect by irradiating light 810 therein and power driving means 700 for outputting power set to the anode and the cathode to form an electric field inside the gas region. Included; 210, the optical assembly 200; including, the photoelectric 820 is moved to the anode 300 by an internal electric field formed by the power driving means 700, characterized in that to generate an electrical signal A gas ionizing detector with a light source can be provided.

Description

Gas ionization detector with electrical light source and inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization radiation measurement device using the same TECHNICAL DEVICES }

The present invention relates to a gas ionizing detector having an electric light source and an inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization radiation measuring device using the same.

Radiation measuring devices are applied to radiation reduction facilities used in nuclear power plants, medical facilities, non-destructive companies, radioisotope handling agencies, accelerator facilities, defense/private/research areas, and radiation measuring devices. Radiation detectors used in major radiation measuring devices can be classified as gas ionization detectors, scintillator detectors, and semiconductor detectors.

Of these, the gas ionizing detector is easy to handle and has excellent radiation measurement performance, so it is applied in almost all radiation measurement fields such as area radiation monitor, survey meter, neutron detector, radioactive contamination checker, personal dosimeter, etc. Is becoming.

In particular, the gas ionization type detector includes a gas filled type, in which the detection gas is sealed to the detector, and a gas flow type in which the detector body flows in and out of the detector.

In addition, the gas ionization detector can be divided into an ionization chamber, a proportional coefficient tube, and a GM coefficient tube according to operating conditions and operating characteristics.

Of these, the ionizing chamber is collected by moving and collecting only the electron ion pairs generated by interacting with the gas by the electric field (electric field) formed between the cathode and the anode inside the gas ionizing detector, while being proportional to the counter or GM counter The gas-amplified detector accelerates electrons with a stronger electric field, causing a series of gas ionization (electron avalanches), whereby a pair of amplified electron ions are collected at the anode and cathode, respectively.

That is, the gas ionization detector is applied in the field of radiation measurement through various shapes and configurations.

In addition, in the related art, a technique for checking and calibrating the performance of the gas ionizing detector as above has been proposed.

Conventional gas ionization detectors use a solenoid installed around the detector to locate a radiation isotope in the detection area when checking performance or condition, or a radioactive isotope (aka'keep-alive source') inside the detector. This was done by fixing the background radiation to detect it.

However, the above-described prior art, when using radioactive isotopes, causes a lot of time and cost as radiation safety management work is carried out according to the handling of radioactive isotopes by radiometer operators, and when disposing radioactive isotopes, environmental pollution problems are caused. It can cause.

In addition, the area radiation monitor (Area Radiation Monitor), etc., additionally requires an electrical drive to transfer the source to the inside of the shield when inspecting the detector, and the failure of the electrical drive can also lead to a decrease in the stability of the operation of the radiation measurement facility.

In addition, a gas ionization detector using a'keep-alive source' cannot accurately measure ambient radiation when the background signal value by the fixed source inside the detector is higher than the ambient radiation signal value outside the detector.

On the other hand, since the neutron source is difficult to shield and handle, there is a problem that a neutron detector such as a BF ₃ proportional coefficient tube or a ³ He proportional coefficient tube cannot be used by installing a check source.

That is, the gas ionization detector collects electron ion pairs or accelerates electrons to induce gas amplification with high voltage applied between the cathode and anode and the strength of the electric field determined by the geometry of the cathode and anode. Changes or modifications may degrade the sensitivity of the detector or make normal operation impossible.

In addition, among the gas ionization type detectors, GM counters, etc., involve complicated processes such as cleaning, gas injection and gas encapsulation, heat treatment, and electrode protective film formation. The surface condition of the processed GM counters, such as reactivity with the detector body during detector operation And stability. Therefore, it is not desirable for the gas ionization detector to undergo an additional process process that can deform the internal substances or internal conditions of the detector for artificial purposes.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0048182 (2017.05.08)

Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gas ionization detector without deformation of an internal state and additional processing.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to use a photoelectric effect by an electric light source including at least one of visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, and X-rays, without using environmental pollutants such as radioactive isotopes and harmful substances to the human body. The present invention provides a gas ionization detector capable of inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization (self-diagnosis and feedback) and a radiation measurement device using the same.

Therefore, the present invention may include the following examples to achieve the above object.

An embodiment according to the present invention is a gas ionizing detector having an electric light source capable of performing inspection, calibration and automatic power stabilization functions without using environmental pollutants and harmful substances in the gas ionizing detector for measuring radiation. In order to supply operating power to the positive and negative electrodes to form an electric field in the gas region, the gas region where gas amplification by sensing of radiation or electrons occurs, or the electron and cation signals, and an electric field inside the gas region. And a light assembly having an electric light source for generating photoelectrons by photoelectric effect by irradiating light with a layer of photoelectric material applied to the inner surface, and an optical window for transmitting or diffusing the light. It is moved to the anode by an internal electric field formed by the means to generate a detection signal, and the electric light source is one of a light emitting diode and a lamp and a laser that outputs any one of visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. It is possible to provide a gas ionization detector having a.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit including the gas ionization detector of the above embodiment and a measurement control unit that receives a detection signal of the gas ionization detector and controls the light source and power driving means, and the measurement control unit is the gas. Signal measurement means for receiving a detection signal from an ionizing detector, comparison means for comparing the detection signal received from the signal measurement means with a set reference value and calculating the difference to output a power control signal if there is a difference between the detection signal and the reference value; And a power control means for maintaining a constant output of the gas ionization detector by outputting a control signal for adjusting the level or amplifier gain of the operating power output from the power driving means according to the power control signal of the comparison means, and the comparison means It is possible to provide an inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization radiation measurement device using a gas ionization detector with an electric light source, characterized in that a power control signal is output until no difference between the detection signal and the reference value occurs.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit including a gas ionization detector included in the above embodiment and a measurement control unit that receives a detection signal of the gas ionization detector and controls an electric light source and a power driving means. , The measurement control unit increases the electric field gradually as the cation moves to the cathode after the dead time, which does not react even when radiation is incident, and the magnitude of the expected output signal reaches the level of discrimination (Discriminator level). It is possible to provide an inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization radiation measurement device using a gas ionization detector having an electrical light source, characterized in that a pulse period is set to operate the electrical light source after the resolving time to be performed. .

Therefore, the present invention is effective in reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs because there is no deformation of the internal state and the number of processes can be shortened.

In addition, the present invention can electrically perform the inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization functions of the detector, thereby significantly reducing the time and cost required for the operation of the detector, and causing harm to the human body and environmental pollution such as radioactive isotopes. It is effective to solve the problem of safety management due to the handling of radioactive isotopes by not using substances.

1 is a perspective view showing a gas ionizing detector having an electric light source according to the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of FIG. 1.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of FIG. 1.
4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a photoelectric material combined with a first cathode.
5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing another embodiment of an optical assembly.
6 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the optical assembly.
7 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for checking, calibrating, and automatically outputting stabilizing radiation using a gas ionizing detector having an electric light source according to the present invention.
9 is a view showing a continuous detection signal of incident radiation and a pulse period of an electric light source.

The terms or words used in the specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to ordinary or lexical meanings, and the inventor is based on the principle that the concept of terms can be properly defined in order to best describe his or her invention. It should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention.

Throughout the specification, when a part “includes” a certain component, it means that the component may further include other components, not to exclude other components, unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as “…unit”, “…group”, “module”, and “device” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is implemented by a combination of hardware and/or software. Can be.

It should be understood that the term “and/or” throughout the specification includes all combinations that can be presented from one or more related items. For example, the meaning of “first item, second item, and/or third item” may be presented from the first, second, or third item, as well as two or more of the first, second, or third items. It means a combination of all possible items.

In addition, the gas ionization-type detector according to the present invention is an ion chamber (Ion Chamber), GM counter (Geiger Muller Counter), proportional counter (Proportional Counter), BF ₃ Neutron Detector, ³ He Neutron Detector, Proton Recoil Counter, Boron Lined Detector, It can be any one of Fission Chamber, Beam Loss Monitor, and Drift Chamber.

In addition, in the present invention, the electrical light source outputs any one of visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light, and is described as an example using double ultraviolet light, but is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gas ionizing detector having a light source according to the present invention and an inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization radiation measuring apparatus using the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view showing a gas ionizing detector having a light source according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of FIG. 1.

1 to 3, an embodiment of a gas ionization detector having a light source according to the present invention includes an anode 300 and a first cathode 100 forming an outer surface of an inner space into which the anode 300 is introduced. ), an insulator 400 shielding both ends of the first cathode 100, and a gas region 500 filled with gas as an inner space shielded by the first cathode 100 and the insulator 400, Acceleration of the photoelectric effect on at least one of the optical assembly 200 outputting light inward, the anode 300 drawn out from the inside, and the anode 300, the first cathode 100 and the insulator 400 For this purpose, gas ionization detectors 10 and 8 including auxiliary photoelectric material layers 600 and 610 and power driving means 700 for supplying operating power to form electric fields at the anode 300 and the cathode 100 ).

The above embodiment is a gas-sealed type in which the gas region 500 is sealed by using an insulator 400, and the technical idea of the present invention is explained through this, but is not limited thereto. (See FIG. 7).

The power driving means 700 supplies operating power to the anode 300 and the cathode 100 so as to form an electric field in the gas region 500. Here, the power driving means 700 is a device that outputs a high voltage to the cathode and anode of the detector. The power driving means 700 is capable of adjusting the power level by the control of the measurement control unit 3 (refer to FIG. 8) described below, and maintains a signal level output from the positive electrode (or negative electrode) at a set level. That is, the power driving means 700 stabilizes the output signal of the detector under the control of the measurement control unit 3.

In the case of the sealed type, the first cathode 100 is formed with a structure in which one end or both ends are opened, and a hollow shape is formed inside to form the gas region 500.

The anode 300 and the first cathode 100 are supplied with operating power to the power driving means 700 that outputs an electrical signal, and outputs a detection signal of radiation. Here, the anode 300 is drawn into one of both ends of the first cathode 100.

The gas region 500 is an inner space shielded by the first cathode 100 and the insulator 400, and is applied to the electric energy supplied from the power driving means 700 through the anode 300 and the first cathode 100. By forming an electric field, electrons and cations generated by radiation are moved to the anode and the cathode, respectively, and gas amplification by electrons is generated above a certain electric field intensity.

When the light 810 (for example, ultraviolet light) output from the optical assembly 200 is incident on the photoelectric material layers 100, 400, 600, and 610, the photoelectric effect generates photoelectrons 820 into the detector interior space. Order. Here, the photoelectric material layers 100, 400, 600, and 610 are the first cathode 100 and/or the insulator 400 itself, or a secondary photoelectric material composed of a material 600 or a laminated metal plate 610 coupled to the cathode and the insulator. It may be a material layer (600, 610). This will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the photoelectric material layer 600.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the auxiliary photoelectric material layers 600 and 610 are stacked on the inner surface of the insulator 400 and the first cathode 100 and the surfaces and inner surfaces of the insulator 400. It corresponds to at least one of a metal layer, a compound produced by a chemical reaction between a gas and an electrode (anode and cathode), or an adhered metal plate. Alternatively, the auxiliary photoelectric material layers 600 and 610 may be at least one of a neutron nuclear reaction material for detecting neutrons or a material formed on the surface of the neutron nuclear material.

Here, the film may be, for example, any one or more of oxide films such as chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ) and aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ).

In addition, the compounds produced by chemical bonding between the gas and the electrode are CrBr ₂ , CrBr ₃ (chromium bromide), CrCl ₂ , CrCl ₃ (chromium chloride) FeCl ₂ , FeCl ₃ (iron chloride), FeBr ₂ , FeBr ₃ (iron bromide ).

In addition, the metal plate coupled to the insulator and the cathode may be any one or more of silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), carbon (C, graphite), titanium (Ti), and inconel.

The photoelectric material layer (100, 400, 600, 610) is an electron present on the surface absorbs the energy of the work function (work function) of the metal or more in the ultraviolet light 810 while generating a photoelectric effect from the absorbed energy A photoelectron 820 having kinetic energy equal to the work function due to the nuclear attraction is generated.

More specifically, in general, the gas ionization detector 10 uses metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and tungsten, which are mostly used as cathode materials, and the metals above react with oxygen to form metal materials. Oxide films such as thin chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ) and aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ) are formed on the surface of several nm to protect the metal material.

Here, the work functions of stainless steel, aluminum, and tungsten are 4.4 eV, 4.3 eV, and 4.5 eV, respectively, and the work functions of chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ) and aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), which are oxide films of the electrode material, are The work function of the detector material is mostly 5 eV or less, 5 eV and 4.7 eV, respectively.

Therefore, when the energy of the ultraviolet light 810 irradiated into the detector is equal to or greater than the work function of the detector material as described above, the photoelectron 820 is generated by the photoelectric effect. In addition, the photoelectron 820 may be discharged to the gas region 500 inside the detector by an electric field formed around it, and then move to the anode 300 to generate a detector signal.

Generating a detector signal as a photoelectric effect by the ultraviolet light 810 as described above is applicable to the main subject matter of the present invention, regardless of the type of the gas ionizing detector 10.

For example, in the case of an ionization chamber, the photoelectron 820 emitted from the surfaces of the photoelectric material layers 100, 400, 600, and 610 is moved to the anode to generate a photoelectron detection signal, and the radiometric apparatus checks it as a photoelectric detection signal , Calibration, automatic power stabilization can proceed. Alternatively, the proportional counter or the GM counter can perform gas multiplication (see FIGS. 2 and 3) such as an avalanche inside the detector by the photoelectron 820 generated by the photoelectric effect by the ultraviolet light 810. Triggered to generate a detection signal.

That is, the present invention generates a detection signal using a photoelectron generated by irradiating light inside a gas ionizing detector, which includes both a photoelectric detection signal and a detection signal according to amplification of the photoelectron.

This means that it is applied in various ways depending on the type of the gas ionizing detector 10, and each embodiment accordingly corresponds to the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

The optical assembly 200 includes an electrical light source 210 that outputs light 810 to the gas region 500 through the insulator 400 and an optical window 220 that diffuses light output from the front surface of the electrical light source 210. ). Here, the electric light source 210 is a light emitting diode (for example, UV LED) that outputs light 810 (for example, one of visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light, and is described below using ultraviolet light), It can be selected from lamps (eg UV lamps) and lasers (eg UV lasers).

The optical assembly 200 having the above-described structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 and 6. Of this, FIG. 3 includes one embodiment of the optical assembly 200, FIGS. 5A and 5B show another embodiment of the optical assembly 200, and FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the optical assembly 200. .

First, referring to FIG. 3, the optical assembly 200 according to the present invention is installed in openings 410 and 420 formed through the insulator 400. Here, the openings 410 and 420 include a first opening hole 410 into which the optical windows 220 and 222 are inserted, and a second opening hole extending from the first opening hole 410 and installing the electric light source 210 ( 420). In addition, the first opening hole 410 and/or the second opening hole 420 is coated with a sealing material 230 for fixing the electric light source 210 and the optical windows 220 and 222 on the wall surface and vacuum sealing therein. Can be.

Here, a light coupling layer 211 stacked as an optical conductor or an optical epoxy may be added between the electrical light source 210 and the optical windows 220 and 222 for optical coupling. This is another embodiment of the optical assembly 200 and will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Another embodiment of the optical assembly 200, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a photoconductor is provided on the front lens (emission surface) of the electric light source 210 inserted into the second opening hole 420 of the insulator 400 Alternatively, the optical coupling layer 211 made of any one of optical epoxy, the protective layer 221 formed on the exit surface of the optical windows 220 and 222, and the fixing and interior of the optical windows 220 and 222 are vacuum sealed The sealing material 230 may be further included.

The light coupling layer 211 includes, for example, any one of optical grease, optical pipe, optical interface, optical conductor, or optical cement. can do.

The protective layer 221 is formed on the exit surfaces of the optical windows 220 and 222 to form a film for preventing optical function deterioration generated during the manufacturing process and operation, or by surface treatment such as ion beam implantation.

Here, the coating may be formed of, for example, a thin film or a coating layer capable of protecting the optical windows 220 and 222 from contaminants that may occur during the operation of the detector or during the manufacture of the detector.

For a specific example, the coating formed of the protective layer 221 is aluminum nitride (AlN), sapphire (3NAl ₂ O ₃ ), CaF ₂ (calcium fluoride), BaF ₂ (barium fluoride), Al ₂ O ₃ (aluminum oxide) ), KBr (potssium bromide), MgF ₂ (magnesium fluoride), or fused silica or borosilicate.

In addition, the surface treatment by ion beam implantation is among H, He, N, Ar, Ne, O, Kr, Xe, B, Mg, Al, Si, Fe, Ag, In, Cu, Zn, Ta, Au, Mg, Ti Ions by either can be implanted.

The sealing material 230 is applied to the wall surface of the first opening hole 410 to seal the gap between the outer surfaces of the optical windows 220 and 222. Here, the sealing material 230 is manufactured by means or a method, such as frit glass, vacuum epoxy, O-ring, and welding, to completely block outflow of gas and foreign matter between the inside and the outside of the cathode.

In addition, the optical assembly 200 according to the present invention can provide a more simplified structure compared to the above embodiment. This will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the optical assembly 200 omits the optical windows 220 and 222, and forms an opening hole (not given a drawing number) in the insulator 400 to form the electrical light source 210. It is a structure for fastening bays. Here, the wall surface of the opening hole (not given the drawing number) is formed with a sealing material 230 to block the separation and the gap between the outer surface of the electrical light source 210 and the opening hole, thereby vacuum sealing the inside. Such a structure is simplified compared to the above-described embodiment, and thus, manufacturing cost and time may be saved.

In addition, the present invention can provide a gas flow type detector in addition to the gas sealed type detector described above. This will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a gas flows into and out of the detector, and an internal opening is possible.

In more detail, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second cathode 100 ′ having a gas region 500 formed therein, an electric light source 210 fixed inside, and a detection signal drawn out therefrom It may include an anode 300 to output, and a power driving means 700 for outputting a high voltage.

The second cathode 100 ′ includes an inlet 122 through which gas flows, an outlet 121 through which internal gas flows, an opening window 110 open to receive radiation, and an electrical light source 210 is fixed. The light source fixing opening 130 may be formed. The structure of the second cathode 100 ′ has a gas region 500 in which gas is filled, and the anode 300 is fixed to communicate with the gas region 500 from the outside.

In addition, the electric light source 210 is fixed to the light source fixing opening 130 of the second cathode 100 ′ and installed inside.

That is, the electric light source 210 is installed in the gas region 500 of the detector to irradiate the ultraviolet light 810 to react with the photoelectric material inside to generate the photoelectron 820. The optoelectronic 820 is input to the anode 300 and output as a detection signal. The detection signal may be a photoelectric detection signal by movement of the photoelectron 820 or a detection signal according to gas amplification. This is an action caused by the movement of the photoelectron 820 to the anode in common and can be defined as a detection signal generated by the photoelectron 820. That is, the photoelectron 820 moves to the anode to generate a detection signal.

In addition, the gas flow detector corresponding to another embodiment according to the present invention may further include the above-described auxiliary photoelectric material layers 600 and 610. That is, the second cathode 100 ′ may include at least one of a photoelectric material by a film, a metal layer, or its own material, and a photoelectric material by a chemical reaction with a gas.

Therefore, the present invention is characterized by generating a detection signal necessary for performance check and calibration by the electrons 810 generated by irradiating ultraviolet light 810 from the gas ionizing detector 10. It is applicable to both gas flow type or sealed type detectors.

In addition, the gas ionization detector 10 according to the present invention is an ion chamber (Ion Chamber), GM counter (Geiger Muller Counter), proportional counter (Proportional Counter), BF ₃ Neutron Detector, ³ He Neutron Detector, Proton Recoil Counter, Boron As one of a lined detector, a fission chamber, a beam loss monitor, and a drift chamber, a photoelectric 820 by ultraviolet light 810 can generate a detection signal for calibration and performance check.

Therefore, the present invention can provide a radiation measurement device capable of inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization as it is possible to generate a detection signal using ultraviolet light 810 as described above. Hereinafter, an inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization radiation measuring apparatus using a gas ionizing detector having a light source will be described.

8 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for checking, calibrating and automatically output stabilizing radiation using a gas ionizing detector with a light source according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the inspection, calibration, and automatic output stabilization radiation measurement apparatus using a gas ionization detector having a light source according to the present invention includes a sensor unit 1 for outputting temperature and radiation measurement signals, and a sensor unit 1 It includes a measurement control unit 3 for controlling the output of the gas ionization detector 10 and the electric light source 210 by receiving the temperature and measurement signals (TDS1, DS1) of ).

The sensor unit 1 is a gas ionization detector 10 for outputting the detection signal DS1 generated through the photoelectron 820 generated by the photoelectric effect by the electric light source 210, and the temperature of the electric light source 210 It includes a temperature sensor 20 for outputting the detection signal (TDS1).

The gas ionization detector 10 is one of a gas sealed type and a gas flow type, and includes a cathode 100, an insulator 400, an anode 300, and auxiliary photoelectric material layers 600 and 610, and an electrical light source 210. ), as the ultraviolet light 810 irradiated from the photoelectric material layer 100, 400, 600, and 610 is incident on the photoelectric effect 820, the detection signal is output as the photoelectron 820 moves to the anode 300.

The temperature sensor 20 senses the temperature of the electric light source 210 and outputs it to the measurement control unit 3.

The measurement control unit 3 compares the temperature measurement means 31 receiving the temperature detection signal TDS1 from the temperature sensor 20 with the temperature detection signal TDS2 received from the temperature measurement means 31 and sets the reference temperature. If there is a difference from the value T1, the temperature compensation means 36 outputting the temperature compensation signal TRS and the light source control signal UV CS according to the temperature compensation signal TRS output from the temperature compensation means 36 The output light source output control means 32, the signal measurement means 33 for receiving the detection signal DS1 of the gas ionization detector 10, and the comparison means 35 for comparing the detection signal DS2 with the reference signal ), and power control means 34 for outputting the power control signal CS of the gas ionization detector 10.

The signal measuring means 33 detects the detection signal DS1 output by the photoelectron 820 generated by the photoelectric effect by the ultraviolet light 810 output from the electric light source 210 from the gas ionization detector 10. It receives, converts and amplifies it as a set level and signal DS2 and outputs it to the comparison means 35.

The comparison means 35 compares the set reference value with the detection signal DS2, and if it is determined that the difference has occurred, outputs the power control signal RS to the power control means 34 until the difference is eliminated. That is, the comparison means 35 performs feedback control through the detection signal DS1.

The power control means 34 controls the power driving means 700 of the gas ionization detector 10 according to the power control signal CS of the comparison means 35 so that the detection signal output from the positive electrode (or negative electrode) is stable. Control it as much as possible.

Here, the power driving means 700 may include at least one of a device or an amplifier that outputs a high voltage.

Therefore, the power control means 34 outputs a control signal CS for adjusting the level of the high voltage to the power driving means 700. That is, the power control means 34 controls the power driving means 700 to be supplied to the gas ionization detector so that the detection signal (and/or output signal) output from the anode (or cathode) can be maintained at a set level. Control the operating power.

The temperature measurement means 31 receives the temperature detection signal TDS1 of the electric light source 210 received from the temperature sensor 20, amplifies and/or converts it, and the temperature detection signal TDS2 to the temperature compensation means 36 ).

The temperature compensation means 36 compares and determines whether the temperature detection signal TDS2 of the temperature sensor 20 is different from the set reference temperature and outputs a temperature compensation signal TRS when a temperature difference occurs.

The light source output control means 32 has the intensity and/or pulse period of the electric light source 210 so that the output of the light source is always constant even if the temperature is changed according to the temperature compensation signal TRS output from the temperature compensation means 36 The adjusted light source control signal UV CS is output.

Here, the electric light source 210 is continuously driven by direct current or pulse by the light source control signal UV CS of the light source output control means 32. At this time, the light source output control means 32 controls the light intensity of the electrical light source 210 according to the set driving current. In addition, when driven by a pulse, the electrical light source 210 is controlled to at least one of pulse frequency, duty ratio, and intensity of the ultraviolet light 810.

In more detail, among the gas ionization-type detectors 10, a signal is output in the form of a current in the ionizing chamber, and a signal in the form of a voltage in a proportional counter or a GM counter, but in the radiation measurement system, among the above voltages and currents It is also possible to use both current and voltage output signals that are not specified by any one.

For example, since the magnitude of the voltage output signal of the GM counter is constant, the height (ie, wave height) information of the voltage output signal cannot be used, and instead, the state of the detector must be measured using the count (or frequency) information, so that the electric light source ( It is preferable to drive 210) with a pulse.

In addition, the light source output control means 32 controls the electrical light source 210 by calculating the pulse period output to the electrical light source 210 in order to detect the detection signal according to the measurement of the continuous incident radiation as an individual signal It is possible. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

9 is a view showing the incident radiation detection signal and the pulse period of the electrical light source 210.

Referring to FIG. 9, the gas ionization detector 10 (eg, a GM counter) generates a space charge due to a slow cation around the anode 300 inside the detector at the moment radiation is detected. At this moment, the intensity is weakened so that a dead time (e) that does not react even when radiation is incident occurs.

At this time, after the dead time (e), as the cation moves to the cathode 100, the electric field gradually increases, so that the magnitude of the expected output signal reaches the crest selection level (discriminator level). The elapsed time of is called the resolving time (d).

Therefore, the decomposition time (d) corresponds to a minimum time interval in which signals by measurement of two different incident radiations can be detected as individual signals. Therefore, when the electric light source 210 output control means drives the electric light source 210 as a pulse, it is preferable to set the pulse interval (a) of the light source to be longer than the decomposition time (d).

In summary, the present invention is applicable to both gas-sealed or flow-type detectors, and outputs ultraviolet light 810 to the gas region 500 inside the detector to generate a detection signal by a photoelectric effect.

Therefore, in the present invention, if the detection signal generated by using the photoelectric effect by the ultraviolet light 810 is different from the set reference value, the power control means 34 can be adjusted until the difference is removed, and the temperature sensor 20 It is characterized in that the automatic output stabilization function is possible because the light intensity according to the temperature difference can be compensated by checking the temperature of the electric light source 210 using.

This can reduce manpower, cost, and time for management as it is not using substances that can cause harmful substances and environmental pollution of the human body, such as radioactive isotopes, compared to the prior art.

The present invention described above is only exemplary, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible.

Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms mentioned in the above detailed description. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sensor part 3 Measurement control part
10: gas ionization detector 20: temperature sensor
31: temperature measuring means 32: light source output control means
33: signal measuring means 34: power control means
35: comparison means 36: temperature compensation means
100, 100': cathode 110: opening window
121: outlet 122: inlet
130: opening 200: optical assembly
210: electrical light source 211: light coupling layer
220, 222: optical window 221: protective layer
230: sealing material 300: anode
400: insulator 410: first opening hole
420: second opening hole 500: gas area
600, 610: photoelectric material layer 700: power driving means
810: ultraviolet light 820: optoelectronic

Claims (12)

In a gas ionizing detector for measuring radiation, a gas ionizing detector having an electric light source capable of performing inspection, calibration, and automatic power stabilization without using environmental pollution and harmful substances in a human body,
A gas region 500 where detection of radiation or gas amplification by electrons occurs;
An anode 300 and a cathode 100 that form an electric field in the gas region 500 or detect electron and cation signals;
Power driving means 700 for supplying operating power to the anode and the cathode to form an electric field inside the gas region; And
An optical assembly 200 having an electric light source 210 for generating photoelectrons 820 by photoelectric effect by irradiating light with a layer of photoelectric material coated on the inner surface, and optical windows 220 and 222 for transmitting or diffusing light. ) ; Including,
Optoelectronic 820
It is moved to the anode 300 by an internal electric field formed by the power driving means 700 to generate a detection signal,
The electric light source 210
A gas ionization detector having an electric light source, characterized in that it is any one of a light emitting diode and a lamp and a laser that outputs either visible light, ultraviolet light or infrared light.
The method according to claim 1, Gas ionization detector
Ion Chamber, GM Counter (Geiger Muller Counter), Proportional Counter, BF ₃ Neutron Detector, ³ He Neutron Detector, Proton Recoil Counter, Boron Lined Detector, Fission Chamber, Beam Loss Monitor, Drift Chamber Gas ionization detector having an electric light source, characterized in that.
The method according to claim 1, Gas ionization detector
Gas Filled Type in which the gas region 500 is sealed, and Gas Flow Type in which the inlet 122 and the outlet 121 are formed to allow gas to flow in and out of the detector. A gas ionization detector with an electric light source, characterized in that any one of.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the photoelectric material layer (100, 400, 500, 600, 610) (Photo-emissive Material)
A photoelectric effect is generated in any one of the cathode 100, the insulator 400, and the gas region 500 by the light 810,
The photoelectric material layer (100, 400, 500, 600, 610)
A gas ionization detector with an electric light source further comprising; an auxiliary photoelectric material layer (600, 610) combined with a cathode or an insulator to generate a photoelectric effect.
The method according to claim 4, the auxiliary photoelectric material layer (600, 610) is
A film formed on the surface of the cathode 100 or the insulator 400, a metal layer electrically connected at the surface of the cathode 100 or the insulator 400, a compound generated by chemical reaction between the gas and the electrodes, and for detecting neutrons A gas ionization detector with an electric light source, characterized in that it is at least one of a neutron nuclear reaction material or a material formed on the surface of a neutron nuclear material.
The method according to claim 1, the cathode 100 or the insulator 400 is
It includes a first opening hole 410 formed through, and a second opening hole 420 extending to the first opening hole 410 and the electrical light source 210 is installed,
Optical window (220, 222) is
It is installed in the first opening hole 410 to transmit or diffuse the light 810 output from the electrical light source 210; Gas ionization detector having an electric light source characterized in that.
The method according to claim 6, the optical window (220, 222) is
Further comprising a protective layer 221 for preventing optical function degradation,
The protective layer 221
Gas ionization detector with an electric light source, characterized in that formed by the surface treatment by thin film, coating layer or ion beam injection formed on the surface of the optical window (220, 222).
The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrical light source 210 is
For optical coupling, an optical coupling layer 211 formed of an optical conductor or optical cement, which is one of optical grease, optical pipe, and optical interface, is used. Gas ionization detector having an electric light source further comprising.
The method according to claim 1 or claim 6, wherein the electrical light source (210) is an electrical light source (220, 222) without the provision of an electrical light source, characterized in that fixed directly to the opening hole formed through the outer surface of the insulator with a sealing material (230). Gas ionization detector equipped.
A sensor unit 1 comprising the gas ionization detector of claim 1; And
It includes; a measurement control unit 3 for receiving the detection signal of the gas ionization detector and controlling the electric light source 210 and the power driving means 700;
The measurement control unit 3
Signal measurement means (33) for receiving a detection signal from a gas ionization detector;
Comparison means 35 for comparing the detection signal received from the signal measurement means 33 with the set reference value and calculating the difference to output a power control signal if there is a difference between the detection signal and the reference value; And
Including the power control means 34 for outputting a control signal for adjusting the operating power level of the power driving means 700 according to the power control signal of the comparison means 35 to keep the output of the gas ionization detector constant. ,
The comparison means 35
Inspection, calibration, automatic output stabilization radiation measurement device using a gas ionization detector with an electric light source, characterized in that it outputs a power control signal until no difference between a detection signal and a reference value occurs.
A sensor unit 1 comprising the gas ionization detector of claim 1; And
It includes; a measurement control unit 3 for receiving the detection signal of the gas ionization detector and controlling the electric light source 210 and the power driving means 700;
The measurement control unit 3
After the dead time, which does not react even when radiation is incident, the electric field gradually increases as the cation moves to the cathode 100 so that the magnitude of the expected output signal reaches the level of discrimination (Discriminator level). Inspection, calibration, automatic output stabilization radiation measurement device using a gas ionization detector with an electric light source, characterized in that a pulse period is set so that the electric light source (210) operates after a resolving time.
The sensor part (1) according to claim 10 or 11,
Further comprising; a temperature sensor 20 for sensing the temperature of the electrical light source 210,
The measurement control unit 3
Temperature measuring means 31 for receiving the temperature sensing signal of the temperature sensor 20 and measuring the temperature of the electric light source 210;
Temperature compensation means 36 for comparing the temperature of the electrical light source 210 measured by the temperature measurement means 31 and a set temperature and outputting a temperature compensation signal when a difference occurs; And
Light source output control means for controlling the electrical light source 210 so that the light intensity is constant by adjusting at least one of the pulse period, duty ratio, and power level of the electrical light source 210 according to the temperature compensation signal of the temperature compensation means 36 ( 32); Inspection, calibration, automatic output stabilization radiation measurement apparatus using a gas ionization detector having an electric light source further comprising.

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