Description:
Princeton Docket # 15-3088-1 & 15-3100-1
Researchers at Princeton University, Department of Physics, have developed novel methods that can benefit applications that require low radioactivity argon gas.
Radiation detectors and dark matter research use low radioactivity argon gas, since radioactivity affects the effectiveness of the detectors. A quality assurance method is clearly needed for the industrial and research use of low radioactivity argon gas. However, measuring the argon radioactivity is a time consuming processes (weeks-months), since the molar ratio for Ar39 (radioactive) to Ar40 (non-radioactive) is 8.1X10-16. Therefore, this method is not suitable for the large production of low radioactivity underground argon, and creates difficulties in time-sensitive research.
A real-time measurement method was developed to fill the unmet needs. It can be used to determine, in situ, if argon extracted from underground sources has been contaminated with radioactive (atmospheric) argon. This method uses commercially available equipment, and requires minimal calibration in the beginning. Gas companies can use this method to determine the quality of the final product, such as the degree of contamination, and identify radioactive (atmospheric) argon infiltration during production and purification. End users can use this method to test the quality of argon gas before each use. At present, this is the only method for the quality control of low radioactivity underground argon production. It has the potential of becoming the standard by which all low radioactivity underground argon quality is measured.
Additionally, an alternate low radioactivity gas source was found as a replacement for the low radioactivity underground argon gas in dark matter research. This gas is commercially available, but needs to be further purified by referenced method.
Applications
• Quality control of low radioactivity Argon gas
• Dark matter research
• Radiation detectors
• Radiometric dating
• National security/neutron detectors
Advantages
• Real time measurement
• Utilize commercially available equipment
The Inventor
Henning Back, Ph.D.
Dr. Henning O. Back was an Associate Research Scholar in the Department of Physics at Princeton University, and is currently a Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. His research revolves primarily around the technological aspects of low-level radiation detector development, including dark matter detection methods. In recent years this has included identifying low-radioactivity noble gas sources, and developing techniques for their extraction and purification.
Intellectual Property & Development status
Patent protection is pending.
Princeton is currently seeking commercial partners for the further development and commercialization of this opportunity.
Contact:
Chris Wright
Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing
• (609) 258-6762• cw20@princeton.edu