CaltechAUTHORS
  A Caltech Library Service

A neutron activation gamma ray spectrometer for planetary surface analysis

Bradley, J. G. and Schweitzer, J. S. and Truax, J. A. and Rice, A. and Tombrello, T. A. (1995) A neutron activation gamma ray spectrometer for planetary surface analysis. Acta Astronautica, 35 . pp. 109-118. ISSN 0094-5765. doi:10.1016/0094-5765(94)00174-K. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20150826-101417048

Full text is not posted in this repository. Consult Related URLs below.

Use this Persistent URL to link to this item: https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20150826-101417048

Abstract

A pulsed DT neutron generator system, similar to that used in commercial well logging, offers the possibility of performing accurate elemental analyses to depths of tens of centimeters in a few seconds with the probe on the body's surface. Through time-phased measurements of the gamma-ray spectrum synchronized with the neutron pulses, concentrations of hydrogen, carbon and key mineral forming elements can be determined even with a low-resolution spectrometer. If a high resolution spectrometer is used, the number of elements measured and the sensitivity for measurement is increased. An implanted probe system, such as in a comet or ice cap penetrator, would offer the highest possible sensitivity. An inexpensive neutron probe system based on modifications of the Schlumberger well-logging system has been proposed for the Discovery/Venera/SAGE Mission to Venus and the Mars Polar Pathfinder. Preliminary experiments on a simulated Venusian surface indicate that high quality results can be obtained.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0094-5765(94)00174-KDOIArticle
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/009457659400174KPublisherArticle
Additional Information:© 1995 Elsevier Science Ltd. This work was sponsored, in part, by the Director's Discretionary Fund of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. Significant in-kind support was provided by Schlumberger-Doll Research for the work performed in their facilities. The work described was carried out, in part, at the California Institute of Technology, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and at Schlumberger-Doll Research.
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
JPL Director's Discretionary FundUNSPECIFIED
Schlumberger-Doll ResearchUNSPECIFIED
NASA/JPL/CaltechUNSPECIFIED
DOI:10.1016/0094-5765(94)00174-K
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20150826-101417048
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20150826-101417048
Official Citation:J.G. Bradley, J.S. Schweitzer, J.A. Truax, A. Rice, T.A. Tombrello, A neutron activation gamma ray spectrometer for planetary surface analysis, Acta Astronautica, Volume 35, Supplement 1, 1995, Pages 109-118, ISSN 0094-5765, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0094-5765(94)00174-K.
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:59902
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:11 Sep 2015 13:15
Last Modified:10 Nov 2021 22:26

Repository Staff Only: item control page