ABSTRACT
We present a summary of the physical principles and design of the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) instrument onboard NASA's 2009 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. The DAN instrument will use the method of neutron-neutron activation analysis in a space application to study the abundance and depth distribution of water in the martian subsurface along the path of the MSL rover.
Subject(s)
Laboratories , Mars , Neutrons , Space Flight/instrumentation , United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration , Hydrogen/analysis , Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted , Soil/analysis , United StatesABSTRACT
The portable pulsed neutron generators developed and designed by VNIIA are presented. The neutron methods are good tools for non-destructive assay of dangerous materials. The samples of various systems for the detection of high explosives in luggage, identification of toxic agents in chemical munitions, and also for the prevention of illicit trafficking of fissile elements in passengers' luggage are discussed.
Subject(s)
Chemical Terrorism/prevention & control , Hazardous Substances/analysis , Neutron Activation Analysis/methods , Explosions/prevention & control , Neutron Activation Analysis/instrumentation , Nuclear Fission , Radioisotopes/analysisABSTRACT
A physical model describing in detail the process of fast neutron imaging in luminescent screens is presented. The detection quantum efficiency, luminosity and inherent spatial resolution of the screen were calculated using this model. Properties of transparent and disperse screens were compared. Two imaging systems were suggested to improve the detection efficiency and spatial resolution. A stack consisting of alternating neutron converters and image plates can help in obtaining both high spatial resolution and efficiency. A system containing a screen of special form and a diaphragm can be of use especially in the case of the fan beam.
