Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation detector using micromechanical sensors
US6118124A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB82Y35/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation is detected by micromechanical sensors that can be coated with various interactive materials. As the micromechanical sensors absorb radiation, the sensors bend and/or undergo a shift in resonance characteristics. The bending and resonance changes are detected with high sensitivity by any of several detection methods including optical, capacitive, and piezoresistive methods. Wide bands of the electromagnetic spectrum can be imaged with picoJoule sensitivity, and specific absorptive coatings can be used for selective sensitivity in specific wavelength bands. Microcantilevers coated with optical cross-linking polymers are useful as integrating optical radiation dosimeters. Nuclear radiation dosimetry is possible by fabricating cantilevers from materials that are sensitive to various nuclear particles or radiation. Upon exposure to radiation, the cantilever bends due to stress and its resonance frequency shifts due to changes in elastic properties, based on cantilever shape and properties of the coating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.