SPACE PHYSICS INSTRUMENTATION.

Abstract

The properties of some new types of beta-ray spectrometers and proton spectrometers for use in space were studied. A laboratory prototype and a light-weight prototype of a high-energy beta-ray spectrometer were constructed. Tests were performed on these spectrometers as well as the high-energy beta-ray spectrometer reported in STL/TR-59-0000-09950. Support work included construction and testing of a pulse-height analyzer, a linear pulse amplifier, a nano-second coincidence circuit and gating circuitry for use in conjunction with the spectrometers. A laboratory luminescent chamber was constructed and tested at the California Institute of Technology's synchrotron. The energy of the primary radiation can usually be determined and a lower energy bound is always possible. Immediate applications include the investigation of the primary radiation near the earth with particular emphasis on gamma rays and neutrons, the detection of atomic or thermonuclear space explosions, the identification of hostile satellites, and certain fundamental high-energy physics experiments.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 31, 1960
Accession Number
AD0609255

Entities

Organizations

  • TRW Inc.

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplifiers
  • Analyzers
  • Energy
  • Gamma Rays
  • High Energy
  • Instrumentation
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Particle Physics
  • Physics
  • Prototypes
  • Pulse Amplifiers
  • Pulse Height Analyzers
  • Radiation
  • Spectrometers

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Solar Physics

Technology Areas

  • Space