Disclosed is a He-3 detector arrangement that generally comprises a neutron shield interposed between a thermal neutron source and thermal neutron detectors all resting on a metal platform. In operation, thermal neutrons from the thermal neutron source are emitted when the He-3 detector arrangement is on or near the ground. Some of the thermal neutrons from the neutron source backscatter from the regolith to the neutron detector where a baseline count level is registered. When He-3 is present in the regolith, some of the thermal neutrons are absorbed by the He-3, which reduces the detected count rate. When integrated with a rover, the He-3 detector is moved from place to place with the count rates at each location compared. In this manner, higher and lower levels of He-3 in the regolith can be mapped indicating target regions for mining the He-3.
NEUTRON DETECTION SYSTEM
19.06.2025
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B60K Anordnung oder Einbau von Antriebseinheiten oder von Kraft- bzw. Drehmomentübertragungen in Fahrzeugen , ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES / G01N Untersuchen oder Analysieren von Stoffen durch Bestimmen ihrer chemischen oder physikalischen Eigenschaften , INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES / G01V Geophysik , GEOPHYSICS / G01T MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION , Messung von Kern- oder Röntgenstrahlung |
Explosive detection system based on thermal neutron activation
Tema Archiv | 1989
|NEUTRON-1 MISSION: LOW EARTH ORBIT NEUTRON FLUX DETECTION
TIBKAT | 2020
|AST announces enhanced neutron detection screens
Emerald Group Publishing | 2006