Particle Detection System

Abstract

A system to detect ionizing particles that includes an enclosure which holds a fluid in a tensioned metastable state. The interaction of a particle with the liquid creates a vapor pocket that can be seen and recorded, and also results in a shock wave that can be heard and recorded. The level of tension metastability in combination with agents, such as Be and B atoms, and surfactants that minimize evaporation losses is associated with a particular type of particle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A system for detecting particles comprising a liquid in a first enclosure, wherein said liquid comprises at least one additive for broadening the energy range of detectable neutrons having energies in the range of from about 0.01 eV to about 10 MeV; said liquid comprising at least one neutron absorbing additive for the detection of photons; and a surface of said enclosure comprising a coating for the detection of alpha or photon particles, wherein said particles include at least one of: neutrons; protons, or alphas in the MeV range; wherein local regions of the liquid are in a metastable negative pressure state such that when said liquid is in the presence of said photons or particles a detectable vapor pocket forms and implodes to generate a detectable sonoluminescent light flash and a shock wave. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising a secondary removable and rotatable enclosure surrounding the first enclosure, the secondary enclosure having at least one open zero thickness window to permit directional passage of at least one of neutrons, gamma rays, and alpha particles thereby limiting said at least one neutrons, gamma rays, and alpha particles reaching said first enclosure to the direction of the source of the nuclear particle. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the liquid is treated by compression of the enclosure and enclosed liquid; compression or filtration of the liquid ahead of introduction into the detector structure; neutron-induced acoustic agitation based degassing of liquid within the enclosure or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising at least one additive in the liquid comprising a material to absorb low energy neutrons resulting in alpha or proton recoils which nucleate vapor pockets. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising at least one additive in the liquid comprising at least one of: a chlorinated compound; a nitrated compound; boron; trimethyl borate; U-235; U-233; Pu-239; Pu-241; U-238; Th-232; Th-233; U-233; and Np-236. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising at least one additive in the liquid comprising B-10; N-14; Li-6; and Cl-35. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the detection of MeV energy neutrons colliding at grazing angles with detector liquid molecules occurs when the tension level of the liquid is at a tensioned metastable state around and above a threshold level. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein said coating on said wall of the enclosure surface is of a thickness ranging from about 0.01 mm to 1 mm and comprises Be; B; C; F; Li for detecting alpha particles. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the detection of the vapor pocket is by a light beam and a photo-switch; a photosensitive detector; or an acoustic wave monitor comprising an acoustic transducer/microphone. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein a waiting time for detection can be varied. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the detection waiting time to detect MeV energy neutrons is in the range of tens of seconds for a threshold tension metastable state corresponding to direct front-end knock-on from incident nuclear particles with detector liquid molecules of about −3 bar for liquids including Freon-113, acetone, methanol, isopentane, and trimethyl borate. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the waiting time for tensioned metastable liquids including Freon-113, acetone, methanol, ethanol, isopentane and trimethyl borate is less than about 1 millisecond for a tension metastable state higher than the threshold tension pressure for detecting angular grazing collisions with detector liquid molecules. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the liquid for detection of photons comprises an additive having a high Z element bearing soluble compound. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the liquid for detection of photons comprises an additive having a high Z element bearing soluble compound comprising at least one of lead acetate; KI; and Nal. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the liquid further comprises at least one of D atoms and Be atoms; and the coating of said walls comprises at least one of D atoms and Be atoms. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the liquid comprises a surfactant. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 22 , comprising a generator coupled to the enclosure for inducing acoustic pressure oscillations in the liquid that cause a negative pressure metastable state in the liquid in local regions, wherein the generator transfers said acoustic pressure oscillations of above 0 psia during compression and below 0 psia through spinoidal limits during tension of the liquid, thereby creating for transient periods of time, regions of high and low (sub-zero) pressure. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising a motor for spinning the enclosure to tension the fluid into a metastable state. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising a motor for spinning the enclosure to tension the fluid into a metastable state, wherein said spinning enclosure has a substantially vertical axis and protruding arms that are inclined to the axis for introducing tension into the liquid within a venturi sized with contraction-expansion regions for establishing levels of tension pressure in the venture throat region when centrifugal force is applied to the enclosure as the spinning enclosure rotates, and wherein each of said protruding arms comprises at least one liquid ejection orifice at the end of its arm for ejecting liquid in response to centrifugal force.