ENVISAGE: Evaluation and validation of the SIGMA gamma-ray tracking detector in relevant environments

ENVISAGE seeks to evaluate and validate the performance of a novel radiation detection system for locating sources of gamma-radiation, progressing from Technology Readiness Level 4 to 5. The Segmented Inverted Coaxial Germanium (SIGMA) detector is a gamma-ray tracking and imaging device designed to offer unrivalled performance over other large volume germanium detectors.

This is achieved by combining digital signal processing with a unique detector design. An accurate measurement of gamma-ray interaction position and energy within the detector is key to unlocking its state-of-the-art performance.

The long-term vision is to operationalise the SIGMA technology in two environments. The first is deployment of a mobile SIGMA detector array at international accelerator laboratories to address questions in nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics, including STFC Science challenges: (A6) How do nuclear reactions power astrophysical processes and create the chemical elements and (C6) what is the nature of nuclear matter?

A key example is the study of extremely exotic nuclei at international accelerator facilities, in which SIGMA will facilitate ultra-sensitive decay spectroscopy experiments by identifying low-yield events within complex and high radiation backgrounds through gamma-ray tracking. The second environment is deployment of SIGMA as a spectroscopic gamma-ray imager in nuclear decommissioning to locate, identify and quantify gamma radiation.

The project has 4 objectives: 1. Evaluate performance for decay spectroscopy experiments. 2. Evaluate performance for gamma-ray imaging in nuclear decommissioning. 3. Enhance detector manufacturing yield. 4. Develop a network of potential end users.

For objective 1, the Jysväskylä Accelerator Laboratory (JYFL) has been agreed as a test site due to their strong interest in adopting SIGMA technology. JYFL has one of the most versatile and efficient systems for decay spectroscopy of exotic nuclei in the world [NUPECC Long Range Plan 2017]. Objective 2 underpins deployment of SIGMA technology at industrially relevant gamma-ray imaging scenarios, which will have societal and economic impact.

Objective 3 and 4 will underpin wider market adoption through technology development and user engagement.