MEMS-BASED CAPACITIVE GAMMA RADIATION DETECTOR
Authors
Vidalis, Nikolaos
Subjects
radiation detection
gamma
micro-electromechanical systems
MEMS
gamma
micro-electromechanical systems
MEMS
Advisors
Smith, Craig F.
Grbovic, Dragoslav
Date of Issue
2023-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
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.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Physics (PH)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.