Novel Radiation Detection, Instrumentation, and Imaging Technologies for Education, Research and Training

with Vaibhav Sinha, Ohio State University
Wednesday, June 29, 10:30-11:30 am
440 Goodwin Hall and virtually
(contact Alida Spaulding for access)

 Radiation detectors, sensors, instrumentation systems, and imaging modalities play a crucial role in the nuclear industry, medical research, and engineering applications, as these areas utilize radiation sciences. The presenter has designed and developed a novel imaging system combining traditional neutron, X-ray computed tomography (NXCT), and an external fast neutron beam facility. NXCT system is the first imaging platform and synthesis method to be developed. The system provides promising results in detecting materials through a non-destructive analysis where materials with similar atomic numbers but differing neutron cross sections or vice versa may be present within an object. The concept of NXCT can be helpful for concealed material detection, material characterization, investigation of complex geometries involving different atomic number materials, and real-time imaging for in‐situ studies. This presentation will provide an overview of the design, operation, performance analysis, and experimental results of the novel NXCT system, including the future vision of nuclear and radiological engineering utilizing advanced research and teaching infrastructure in academics and research environments. Furthermore, the second part of the talk will briefly describe various research projects performed by the presenter and the associated research group. The second part of the talk will emphasize the education, training, and professional development of the future nuclear workforce utilizing the multidisciplinary experiences of the presenter and auxiliary pedagogies to train STEM students in the classroom, online, and in hybrid-mode settings.

 Vaibhav Sinha is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at The Ohio State University. He received his formal education in the form of a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering with a specialization in Radiation Sciences from the Missouri University of Science & Technology (Formerly known as University of Missouri, Rolla), a Master of Science in Nuclear Applications with a specialization in Nuclear Power Engineering and Medical Physics from the Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Energy Engineering with Honors grade from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, India (Formerly known as Agra University). Sinha has 18 plus years of academic and research experience in nuclear and radiological engineering. Before joining OSU, he has contributed to different research projects involving the development of calibration phantoms for whole and mobile body counters, medical radioisotope production by a linear electron accelerator, development of a fast neutron generator, the design of imaging and irradiation facilities in Germany, Idaho, Missouri, and Virginia. Sinha offers specialized courses in the nuclear and mechanical engineering curriculum, i.e., Radiation Protection and Shielding, Nuclear Power Plant Operations, Nuclear Reactor Dynamics Laboratory, Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Radioactive Waste Management, Nuclear Reactor System, and Analysis, and Heat Transfer, and Thermal Systems Engineering. He also serves as an Executive Committee Member of the American Nuclear Society division and subdivisions, i.e., Isotope and Radiation, Robotics and Remote Systems Division, National Program Committee, and Publication Steering Committee. Dr. Sinha also served as a Nuclear Engineering Minor Program advisor and ANS student chapter advisor at OSU (Ohio State University). He has recently served as a Publications Chair for the American Nuclear Society's Probabilistic Safety Assessment 2021 International Topical Meeting. He is also a Coordinator of the Nuclear Nonproliferation International Safeguards (NNIS) Graduate Fellowship Program at Ohio State University. Dr. Sinha served as a reviewer/judge/panelist for the Ohio Academy of Sciences, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy – Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (DOE-CINR), and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Host: Dr. Mark Pierson