Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
07:51
Measurements of Soil Carbon by Neutron-Gamma Analysis in Static and Scanning Modes
Published on: August 24, 2017
A portable energy-sensitive cosmic neutron detection instrument
S D Monk1, M J Joyce, Z Jarrah
1Department of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YR, United Kingdom.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|March 5, 2008
Summary
A new portable neutron instrument was built to measure cosmic-ray neutron fields. Testing at a high-altitude facility validated its performance for atmospheric and reference field characterization.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear instrumentation
- Cosmic ray physics
- Atmospheric science
Background:
- Cosmic-ray neutron fields pose radiation risks and require accurate characterization.
- Existing instruments may lack portability or comprehensive spectral response.
- Understanding neutron fields is crucial for radiation protection and physics research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and test a portable, energy-sensitive neutron instrument.
- To characterize cosmic-ray neutron fields in the upper atmosphere.
- To provide a reliable tool for cosmic reference field facilities.
Main Methods:
- Design and construction of a spherical instrument (34 cm diameter) using a helium-3 proportional counter, lead, and polyethylene.
- Integration of 12 boron-coated diodes for enhanced detection.
- Optimization of instrument design using MCNPX Monte Carlo simulations.
- Testing and data collection at various locations, including the Jungfraujoch high-altitude laboratory.
Main Results:
- Successful construction and assembly of the portable neutron instrument.
- Experimental data collected at the Jungfraujoch laboratory demonstrate instrument functionality.
- The instrument provides energy-sensitive neutron detection for field characterization.
Conclusions:
- The developed portable neutron instrument is suitable for characterizing cosmic-ray neutron fields.
- The instrument's design balances portability with spectral response requirements.
- Further testing and application in atmospheric and reference field studies are warranted.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
01:26Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the common plasma source used in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), a technique that detects and analyzes various elements in a sample. This method is often called inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
01:22Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) comprises several components: a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. The radiation source can be a hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) or an electrodeless-discharge lamp (EDL), both of which provide a narrow emission line of the required wavelength. However, some instruments use continuum sources and high-resolution monochromators to achieve a narrow range of radiation.
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...
01:29Determination of Crystal Structures
In the late 1800s, the revelation that light extended beyond visible wavelengths led to the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen. Recognized as high-energy electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths, X-rays prompted exploration into their interaction with crystals. Max von Laue proposed in 1912 that the periodic arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in crystals would cause them to diffract X-rays, a hypothesis confirmed through experiments with copper sulfate and zinc sulfide...
01:20Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...