Segmented radiation detector and apparatus and method for using same

摘要

Systems, methods, and devices involving segmented radiation detectors are provided. For example, a segmented radiation detector may include a segmented scintillator and an optical-to-electrical converter. The segmented scintillator may have several segments that convert radiation to light, at least one of which may detect radiation arriving from an azimuthal angle around an axis of the segmented scintillator. The optical-to-electrical converter may be coupled to the segmented scintillator. The optical-to-electrical converter may receive the light from the segments of the segmented scintillator and output respective electrical signals corresponding to the amount of radiation detected by each segment.

主权项

1. A downhole tool comprising:
a radiation source to emit collimated radiation beams out of the downhole tool at various angles; a segmented radiation detector comprising a plurality of segments capable of detecting radiation that returns to the downhole tool after interacting with material surrounding the downhole tool, wherein the segmented radiation detector is capable of distinguishing from which of a plurality of azimuthal angles around the downhole tool the radiation returns, and wherein the segmented radiation detector comprises a reference segment azimuthally surrounded by other segments of the plurality of segments; and radiation shielding configured to allow radiation directly from the radiation source to pass internally through the downhole tool to the reference segment; wherein the radiation is neutrons, X-rays, and/or gamma-rays.