Pulsed neutron source operates in conjunction with a photomultiplier tube coupled to a gamma ray scintillation crystal. This allows measurements of gamma radiation from both inelastic scattering and thermal neutron capture in a single experiment

Givens, W. W.

Mills, W. R., Jr.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

July 1969	 Brief 69-10248 
is
NASA TECH BRIEF	
_& 
AL 
- 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Dual-Mode Operation of a Neutron Source, a Concept 
A technique has been conceived for operating a 
pulsed neutron source in conjunction with a photo-
multiplier tube coupled to a gamma ray scintillation 
crystal. The purpose of the proposed technique is to 
allow measurements of gamma radiation resulting from 
both inelastic scattering and thermal neutron capture. 
With this technique it should be possible to measure 
both types of gamma radiation in a single experiment, 
whereas previous techniques require separate experi-
ments. The combination experiment could find ad-
vantageous application in mineral prospecting, geo-
logical and geochemical analysis in the logging of an 
oil well borehole, and oceanographic investigations. 
With the proposed technique, during any one source 
cycle, the pulsed neutron source is operated to produce 
a short burst of neutrons at low output and then to 
produce a long burst of neutrons at high output. The 
photomultiplier tube is turned on during the low-
output burst to obtain measurements of gamma rays 
from inelastic scattering; it is then turned off during
the high-output burst and on again after termination 
of that burst to enable measurement of thermal-
neutron-capture gamma rays. This sequence would 
be repeated periodically to allow gamma rays from 
inelastic scattering and thermal neutron capture to be 
measured in pulsed operation. 
Notes: 
I. This technique is presented only as a concept. 
Neither a model nor a prototype of an operational 
system has been built as of the date of this Tech 
Brief. 
2. No additional documentation is available. 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: W. R. Mills, Jr. and W. W. Givens of 
Mobil Oil Corporation 
under contract to 
Headquarters, NASA 
(HQN-10106) 
Category 02 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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Dual-mode operation of a neutron source, a concept

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