ENVISAGE: Evaluation and validation of the SIGMA gamma-ray tracking detector in relevant environments
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
ENVISAGE seeks to evaluate and validate the performance of a novel radiation detection system for locating sources of gamma-radiation, progressing from Technology Readiness Level 4 to 5. The Segmented Inverted Coaxial Germanium (SIGMA) detector is a gamma-ray tracking and imaging device designed to offer unrivalled performance over other large volume germanium detectors. This is achieved by combining digital signal processing with a unique detector design. An accurate measurement of gamma-ray interaction position and energy within the detector is key to unlocking its state-of-the-art performance.
The long-term vision is to operationalise the SIGMA technology in two environments. The first is deployment of a mobile SIGMA detector array at international accelerator laboratories to address questions in nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics, including STFC Science challenges: (A6) How do nuclear reactions power astrophysical processes and create the chemical elements and (C6) what is the nature of nuclear matter? A key example is the study of extremely exotic nuclei at international accelerator facilities, in which SIGMA will facilitate ultra-sensitive decay spectroscopy experiments by identifying low-yield events within complex and high radiation backgrounds through gamma-ray tracking. The second environment is deployment of SIGMA as a spectroscopic gamma-ray imager in nuclear decommissioning to locate, identify and quantify gamma radiation.
The project has 4 objectives:
1. Evaluate performance for decay spectroscopy experiments.
2. Evaluate performance for gamma-ray imaging in nuclear decommissioning.
3. Enhance detector manufacturing yield.
4. Develop a network of potential end users.
For objective 1, the Jysväskylä Accelerator Laboratory (JYFL) has been agreed as a test site due to their strong interest in adopting SIGMA technology. JYFL has one of the most versatile and efficient systems for decay spectroscopy of exotic nuclei in the world [NUPECC Long Range Plan 2017]. Objective 2 underpins deployment of SIGMA technology at industrially relevant gamma-ray imaging scenarios, which will have societal and economic impact. Objective 3 and 4 will underpin wider market adoption through technology development and user engagement.
The long-term vision is to operationalise the SIGMA technology in two environments. The first is deployment of a mobile SIGMA detector array at international accelerator laboratories to address questions in nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics, including STFC Science challenges: (A6) How do nuclear reactions power astrophysical processes and create the chemical elements and (C6) what is the nature of nuclear matter? A key example is the study of extremely exotic nuclei at international accelerator facilities, in which SIGMA will facilitate ultra-sensitive decay spectroscopy experiments by identifying low-yield events within complex and high radiation backgrounds through gamma-ray tracking. The second environment is deployment of SIGMA as a spectroscopic gamma-ray imager in nuclear decommissioning to locate, identify and quantify gamma radiation.
The project has 4 objectives:
1. Evaluate performance for decay spectroscopy experiments.
2. Evaluate performance for gamma-ray imaging in nuclear decommissioning.
3. Enhance detector manufacturing yield.
4. Develop a network of potential end users.
For objective 1, the Jysväskylä Accelerator Laboratory (JYFL) has been agreed as a test site due to their strong interest in adopting SIGMA technology. JYFL has one of the most versatile and efficient systems for decay spectroscopy of exotic nuclei in the world [NUPECC Long Range Plan 2017]. Objective 2 underpins deployment of SIGMA technology at industrially relevant gamma-ray imaging scenarios, which will have societal and economic impact. Objective 3 and 4 will underpin wider market adoption through technology development and user engagement.
Publications
| Description | University of Jyvaskyla |
| Organisation | University of Jyvaskyla |
| Department | Accelerator Laboratory |
| Country | Finland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The SIGMA detector is to be deployed at the accelerator laboratory. Plans are underway to take the detector there later this year, where we will work with local researchers to commission the system and on a series of proof of concept experiments. We have simulated the experimental setups and prepared all analytical tools. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners are providing information to maximise successful experimental campaigns. Later in the year they will host the detector. |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2024 |