Title :
A neutron spectrometer for avionic environment investigations
Author :
Hubert, G. ; Trochet, P. ; Riant, O. ; Heinz, P. ; Gaillard, R.
Author_Institution :
EADS Nucletudes, Des Ulis, France
Abstract :
The aim of this work was to build an embeddable atmospheric neutron spectrometer to record data during airplane flights. The challenge was to design compact equipment with the largest detection range of neutron energy and the capability to determine the neutron spectrum. In this paper, we present this equipment, its validation and some preliminary flight results. We have validated this equipment and the method to analyze recorded data. So, with this equipment, systematic data recording can be considered to get more accurate informations on neutron flux and neutron spectrum versus altitude, longitude, latitude or solar event.
Keywords :
avionics; cosmic ray apparatus; cosmic ray energy spectra; cosmic ray neutrons; neutron detection; neutron flux; neutron spectrometers; airplane flights; altitude variation; avionic environment investigation; compact equipment; cosmic rays; embeddable atmospheric neutron spectrometer; latitude variation; longitude variation; neutron energy; neutron flux; neutron spectrum; solar event; systematic data recording; Aerospace electronics; Airplanes; Cosmic rays; Data analysis; Detectors; Error analysis; Helium; Neutrons; Nuclear electronics; Spectroscopy;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TNS.2004.839130