Evaluation of the distribution accuracy of radioactivity from a gamma-ray source using an omnidirectional detector for radiation imaging with fractal geometry

Sasaki, Miyuki; Abe, Yuki*; Sanada, Yukihisa; Torii, Tatsuo*

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 1072, p.170207_1 - 170207_12, 2025/03

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2025.170207

We have developed an omnidirectional radiation imager with fractal geometry named the FRIE system. This paper presents the development and evaluation of the FRIE system, designed to accurately estimate radioactivity distribution within decommissioning environments, such as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The FRIE system is a unit of tetrahedral radiation sensors; 16 sensors are arranged in a Sierpinski tetrahedron shape, and the space between the sensors is filled with tungsten-based alloy for radiation shielding. This study assessed the performance of the FRIE system in estimating radiation distribution through simulations and actual measurement tests. From the results of the simulations and experimental data, it was confirmed that by maintaining a measurement density of at least 2 points/m, limiting the positional error to within 10 cm, and the angular error to within 10 degrees, it is possible to estimate the source location with an angular resolution of approximately 30 degrees. Future improvements in the arrangement of the FRIE system's crystals and shielding should enhance the performance metrics. This research signifies a pioneering implementation of fractal-based radiation imaging technology, offering a new direction in radiation measurement.

Neutron resonance absorption imaging fully utilizing neutron energies from 1 eV to 100 keV

Tsuchikawa, Yusuke; Kai, Tetsuya; Parker, J.*; Matsumoto, Yoshihiro*; Shinohara, Takenao

Scientific Reports (Internet), 15, p.7687_1 - 7687_8, 2025/03

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-92174-7

A neutron resonance absorption imaging technique to visualize two-dimensional distributions with element discrimination has been developed at the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility of the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. We measured neutron transmission spectra from 1 eV to 100 keV while rotating a sample containing iron, zirconium, nickel, molybdenum, and aluminum rods. The distributions of hafnium (impurity of zirconium) and molybdenum were clearly obtained by a straightforward analysis using the most prominent resonances. Then an analysis using multiple resonances of each element simultaneously was performed finding that the accuracy of elemental identification was improved, and iron and nickel distributions became clearer. However, these analysis methods sometimes have difficulties in the case of overlapping materials since a resonance shape can be deteriorated by those of other materials. Such an example was demonstrated with the case of iron and nickel. To overcome the issue and aiming for further improvement, we proposed a method to fit the transmission spectrum in a wide range assuming the existence of possible elements, successfully visualizing both the distributions of the sample metals and those of hafnium and manganese (impurities of zirconium and iron). The newly introduced analysis technique will contribute to the establishment of a standard analytical procedure for general users of the facility.

Elemental technologies and demonstration results of integrated Radiation Imaging System

Sato, Yuki

FBNews, (577), p.2 - 6, 2025/01

https://www.c-technol.co.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FBN577.pdf

no abstracts in English

In-situ X-ray imaging of the breakup dynamics of current-carrying molten metal jets during arc discharge

Sato, Yuriko*; Shobu, Takahisa; Tominaga, Aki; Sano, Tomokazu*; Ogino, Yosuke*

Communications Materials (Internet), 5, p.147_1 - 147_9, 2024/08

https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-024-00586-1

The flow dynamics of current-carrying molten metal jet breakup during arc discharge serves as mass and heat sources in wire-arc-based metal deposition processes, thereby optimizing the resultant product quality. However, the spatiotemporal flow interaction between the molten metal jet and the surrounding arc plasma remains unclear. Here, using in-situ synchrotron X-ray imaging, we simultaneously track surface deformation and internal flow in molten aluminum jets during argon arc discharge. We reveal that modulating the magnitude and path of the arc discharge current can accelerate the jet velocity by 200 300% beyond its initial injection speed, thereby facilitating significant jet elongation. Our results provide consistent evidence that the jet flow dynamics are predominantly governed by the interaction between the arc discharge current and its coaxial self-induced magnetic field. This study establishes a framework at the intersection of fluid dynamics and electromagnetism, contributing to optimized control and precision in wire-arc-based applications.

Progress of material characterization techniques based on neutron Bragg-edge transmission imaging

Wang, Y. W.*; Xu, P. G.; Su, Y. H.; Ma, Y. L.*; Wang, H. H.*

Physics Examination and Testing, 42(4), p.32 - 41, 2024/08

https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0777.20230085

An Experimental feasibility study of a 4 gamma-ray imager using detector response patterns

Kitayama, Yoshiharu; Nogami, Mitsuhiro*; Hitomi, Keitaro*

Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 63(7), p.076502_1 - 076502_8, 2024/07

https://doi.org/10.35848/1347-4065/ad5ba0

We constructed a gamma-ray imager that estimates the distribution of gamma-ray sources based on the response patterns of multiple gamma-ray detectors randomly positioned in three-dimensional space. The Coded Cube Camera for Gamma-ray (C3G), comprising eight GAGG (Ce) scintillator and eighteen lead cubes is housed in a cubical casing with an 86 mm edge length and weighs approximately 600 g. Results of the 4 imaging experiment confirmed the feasibility of imaging a 10 MBq Cs source located 3 m away with an angular uncertainty of 5 within a 10 min measurement. C3G operates with only eight channels, instead of the hundreds needed by a typical imager, offering a simplified circuit and reconstruction algorithm, thereby achieving a cost-effective and reliable system. With its compact and lightweight design, 4 field of view, and high angular uncertainty, this technology is expected to find extensive applications in astronomy, medicine, nuclear security, and decommissioning projects.

Neutron transmission imaging system with a superconducting kinetic inductance detector

Vu, TheDang*; Shishido, Hiroaki*; Aizawa, Kazuya; Oku, Takayuki; Oikawa, Kenichi; Harada, Masahide; Kojima, Kenji M*; Miyajima, Shigeyuki*; Soyama, Kazuhiko; Koyama, Tomio*; et al.

Journal of Physics; Conference Series, 2776, p.012009_1 - 012009_9, 2024/06

https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2776/1/012009

Simulation of a gamma-ray imaging technique using detector response patterns

Kitayama, Yoshiharu; Nogami, Mitsuhiro*; Hitomi, Keitaro*

Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 63(3), p.032005_1 - 032005_6, 2024/03

https://doi.org/10.35848/1347-4065/ad2d7a

We introduce a novel gamma-ray imaging technique that uses detector response patterns. This method employs multiple shielding cubes randomly positioned in a three-dimensional configuration. Within the volume defined by these cubes, a unique gamma-ray flux pattern is formed based on the incidence direction of the gamma rays. This pattern can be measured using the responses of several scintillator cubes. By pre-measuring the detector response pattern and incidence direction of the gamma rays, the incidence direction can be estimated using an unfolding technique. Simulations were performed using a Cs point source. Our results show that a 10 MBq Cs source, located 3 m away from the imager, can be imaged with an angular resolution close to 10. These findings suggest that our new method is comparable to existing gamma-ray imaging techniques. Potential applications of this imaging method include nuclear power plant decommissioning, nuclear medicine, security, and astronomy.

Neutron transmission CB-KID imager using samples placed at room temperature

Ishida, Takekazu*; Vu, TheDang*; Shishido, Hiroaki*; Aizawa, Kazuya; Oku, Takayuki; Oikawa, Kenichi; Harada, Masahide; Kojima, Kenji M*; Miyajima, Shigeyuki*; Koyama, Tomio*; et al.

Journal of Low Temperature Physics, 214(3-4), p.152 - 157, 2024/02

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-023-03030-9

Estimation of the activity median aerodynamic diameter of plutonium particles using image analysis

Takasaki, Koji; Yasumune, Takashi; Yamaguchi, Yukako; Hashimoto, Makoto; Maeda, Koji; Kato, Masato

Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 60(11), p.1437 - 1446, 2023/11

https://doi.org/10.1080/00223131.2023.2196969

The aerodynamic radioactive median diameter (AMAD) is necessary information to assess the internal exposure. On June 6, 2017, at a plutonium handling facility in Oarai site of Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), during the inspection work of a storage container that contains nuclear fuel materials, accidental contamination occurred and five workers inhaled radioactive materials including plutonium. Some smear papers and an air sampling filter were measured with the imaging plate, and we conservatively estimated minimum AMADs for two cases, plutonium nitrate and plutonium dioxide. As a result of AMAD estimation, even excluding a giant particle of a smear sample, the minimum AMADs of plutonium nitrate from smear papers were 4.3 - 11.3 m and those of plutonium dioxide were 5.6 - 14.1 m. Also, the minimum AMAD of plutonium nitrate from an air sampling filter was 3.0 m and that of plutonium dioxide was 3.9 m.