Nuclear event detector

Abstract

A nuclear event detector for sensing the occurrence of an ionizing radiation pulse and providing switched outputs in response to the sensing. The detector includes an ionizing radiation sensor which provides a sensor output signal when an ionizing radiation pulse incident thereon exceeds a predetermined threshold level. The detector further includes a pulse timer circuit which is responsive to the sensor output signal for providing a timing signal pulse of a predetermined duration. The detector also includes a latch circuit triggered by the output of the timer circuit which provides a flag signal indicating that an ionizing radiation pulse has been sensed. The latch circuit, timer circuit and sensor are part of a hybrid microcircuit and are disposed in a sealed enclosure with connectors extending from inside the enclosure to outside the enclosure. A first external connector is adapted for connection to a first electrical component for setting the threshold level. A second external connector is adapted for connection to a second electrical component for determining the duration of the timing signal pulse. When the threshold level is preset by the manufacturer, only connection to a second electrical component for determining the duration of the timer pulse is required. The detector includes test circuitry built inside the sealed package permitting all components of the detector to be operated under test.