Rhys Preston Email & Phone Number

Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia

I am a core developer of the PhotonAssay PA1408X: a mineral assay system based on gamma-activation analysis (GAA). As one of Chrysos’ original development staff, I implemented the data acquisition and spectrum analysis software that runs on each PA1408X unit. This code is responsible for the precise and unattended measurement of gold and other elements in each sample. I also contributed to the design of the detector station hardware, which hosts custom high-purity germanium (HPGe) and… Show more I am a core developer of the PhotonAssay PA1408X: a mineral assay system based on gamma-activation analysis (GAA). As one of Chrysos’ original development staff, I implemented the data acquisition and spectrum analysis software that runs on each PA1408X unit. This code is responsible for the precise and unattended measurement of gold and other elements in each sample. I also contributed to the design of the detector station hardware, which hosts custom high-purity germanium (HPGe) and large-volume plastic scintillation detectors readout with a digital signal processing system.I have since established and manage the Chrysos Physics Team. My team is responsible for developing new analysis services, along with automated tools to streamline system operation and maintenance. The team also provides operational support for our growing fleet of deployed PA1408X units. Our operational responsibilities include acceptance testing of new PA1408X systems, data quality control (QC), advising on-site engineers and operators, monitoring system health, and reporting results to client labs. I have implemented procedures and systems to ensure smooth operation of our team and the timely delivery of service to our customers and other teams within Chrysos. Show less

Lucas Heights, Nsw

I was a research scientist working on various projects in the Mineral and Homeland Security domains. I successfully lead two commercially funded research projects, both demonstrating novel detector systems for X-Ray cargo scanning. The first project combined silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) scintillation detectors with a high-speed digital signal processing to measure X-Ray intensity over an extremely wide dynamic range, while actively rejecting X-Ray scatter and detector noise. The second… Show more I was a research scientist working on various projects in the Mineral and Homeland Security domains. I successfully lead two commercially funded research projects, both demonstrating novel detector systems for X-Ray cargo scanning. The first project combined silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) scintillation detectors with a high-speed digital signal processing to measure X-Ray intensity over an extremely wide dynamic range, while actively rejecting X-Ray scatter and detector noise. The second project evaluated SiPM-based Cherenkov detectors with a view to improve image contrast for highly attenuating objects. In both projects I undertook the entire project: modelling different detector designs, building prototype detectors and readout electronics, testing the prototypes in a commercial cargo scanner, and presenting the final report to our client.I contributed to two larger, multi-staff projects developing activation analysis techniques for the minerals industry. As part of this I developed a Monte-Carlo-based model to estimate the performance of on-belt fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA). I also used Monte-Carlo models to design and optimize radiation shielding for a LINAC-based gamma activation analysis (GAA) system. As part of my postdoctoral appointment, I also developed and demonstrated a pocket-sized neutron survey meter (based on the technology developed in my PhD) and constructed a high-vacuum testbed for experimental pyro-electric x-ray sources. Show less

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Neutron Detection Using Scintillators With Sipm Readout And Digital Pulse Processing, Examiner'S Commendation For Outstanding Thesis

My thesis explored the use of scintillating materials with silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) readout and digital signal processing.

Bachelor Of Medical And Radiation Physics Advanced (1St Class Honours)

Education record