R. C. Byrd
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View article: Detection of uranium-based nuclear weapons using neutron-induced fission
Detection of uranium-based nuclear weapons using neutron-induced fission Open
Although plutonium-based nuclear weapons can usually be detected by their spontaneous emission of neutrons and gammas, the radiation emitted by weapons based entirely on highly-enriched uranium can often be easily shielded. Verification of…
View article: Fast neutron flux spectrum aboard Mars Odyssey during cruise
Fast neutron flux spectrum aboard Mars Odyssey during cruise Open
The energy spectrum of fast neutrons generated by interactions between galactic cosmic rays and the Mars Odyssey spacecraft during quiet interplanetary conditions is determined. It is given by Φ n ( E n ) = (0.071 ± 0.0044) E n −(0.28± 0.0…
View article: Computer-optimized design of polyethylene-moderated {sup 3}He counters for fast neutrons
Computer-optimized design of polyethylene-moderated {sup 3}He counters for fast neutrons Open
Because polyethylene-moderated {sup 3}He counters are rugged and reliable, they are generally the instruments of choice for field detection of fast neutrons in gamma-ray backgrounds. Their main drawback is the bulky, massive moderator need…
View article: Neutron sensors for locating sites of planetary water deposits
Neutron sensors for locating sites of planetary water deposits Open
This is the final report of a six-month, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This project helped in exploration of the value and feasibility of use of collimated neutron…
View article: Experimental tests of a radiation direction finder
Experimental tests of a radiation direction finder Open
We explore the possibility of using a simple detector to determine the direction or heading toward a source of nuclear radiation, typically penetrating neutrons or gamma rays. The technique is based on the attenuation of incident radiation…
View article: Calculations and measurements of the energy-dependent response of a shielded gamma-ray detector
Calculations and measurements of the energy-dependent response of a shielded gamma-ray detector Open
Instruments designed to record high-intensity gamma-ray flashes must have fast time response, wide dynamic range, and good rejection of photon backgrounds at lower energies. In principle, plastic scintillators can easily provide the necess…
View article: Atmospheric transport of neutrons and gamma rays from near-horizon nuclear detonations
Atmospheric transport of neutrons and gamma rays from near-horizon nuclear detonations Open
This report continues a study of the transport of neutrons and rays from nuclear detonations at high altitudes to a set of detectors, with an emphasis on the limiting case of sources even beyond the horizon. To improve the calculational ef…
View article: Calibration of a space thermal/epithermal neutron detector: The Mars Observer Gamma-Ray Spectrometer anticoincidence shield
Calibration of a space thermal/epithermal neutron detector: The Mars Observer Gamma-Ray Spectrometer anticoincidence shield Open
Procedures used for, and results of, a calibration of the combined anticoincidence shield and neutron detector (A/C-N subsystem) of the Mars Observer Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (MOGRS) are reported. Pulsed energy-dispersed neutrons were genera…
View article: Atmospheric transport of neutrons and gamma rays from a high-altitude nuclear detonation
Atmospheric transport of neutrons and gamma rays from a high-altitude nuclear detonation Open
Although radiation outputs from nuclear detonations in free space are well established, few studies exist of effect of atmospheric transport on the resulting intensity, energy, and time signatures. This report presents calculations for gen…
View article: Dynamic-range tests for a gamma-ray sensor
Dynamic-range tests for a gamma-ray sensor Open
The task of detecting and characterizing intense bursts of nuclear radiation requires an instrument capable of operating reliably over wide extremes of signal intensity. Developing techniques for testing and calibrating such a detector inv…
View article: Gamma Ray/neutron Spectrometers for Planetary Elemental Mapping
Gamma Ray/neutron Spectrometers for Planetary Elemental Mapping Open
Los Alamos has designed gamma ray and neutron spectrometers for Lunar Scout, two robotic missions to map the Moon from 100 km polar orbits. Knowledge of the elemental composition is desirable in identifying resources and for geochemical st…