ALPHACORE INC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 33a

Description

There is a critical need for a high-frame-rate radiation-hard video camera for nuclear energy research. When it comes to the radiation tolerance of a camera, the image sensor itself is usually the most sensitive part, and video cameras that are both rad-hard and have high framerates are not currently commercially available. Alphacore Inc. will develop a high-frame rate video sensor and camera that can operate in high temperature, high pressure and high radiation environments. The video camera will improve the state of the art of cameras available for nuclear energy research. The image sensor will meet the temperature and radiation tolerance requirements of the DoE, and will consist of a control board that also meets environmental requirements. The proposed CMOS camera will better equip nuclear power systems to detect and manage faults in instrumentation and control (I&C) systems and plant components, thus increasing power plant reliability, availability and resilience. Phase I: Develop detailed plan for the exact technical specifications to be targeted in this program; Select CMOS process; Design ADC core, its control circuitry and references; Perform basic radiation effect simulations and apply RHBD techniques.This technology will bring improvements to sensor and measurement technology that support existing nuclear power reactors. It will demonstrate greater accuracy, reliability, resiliency, resolution, and ease of replacement/upgrade capability for applications in the nuclear environment and reduce operations and maintenance costs while addressing regulatory concerns.