A new modular cosmic-ray detector F. Signoretti and M. Storini IFSI-Roma/INAF, Via del Fosso del Cavaliere, 100 - 00133 Roma, Italy
Received: 08 Oct 2010 – Revised: 22 Nov 2010 – Accepted: 03 Dec 2010 – Published: 14 Jan 2011
Abstract. Comparing the mean features of helium proportional counters with the
ones of the standard boron trifluoride tubes, it appears at glance
that, in equal term of efficiency and for the same active length,
the 3He filled counters are characterized by a very smaller
diameter which optimizes their spectral resolution and minimizes
wall effects. Moreover helium counters are usually designed in
standard diameters and the 2 inch size is commonly available in a
wide set of sensitive lengths. This manufacturing characteristic
suggested us the realization of a modular neutron detector with a
variable geometry to be adapted to counters of different lengths.
At first a small modular detector (length of 80 cm) was assembled in
Rome at SVIRCO Observatory and TPL during 2006. In March 2010 a
second larger modular neutron monitor (length of 216 cm) was
realized as well to be used for cosmic ray registration with a
higher counting rate and better reliability. A short description of
both modular cosmic-ray detectors is given.
Citation: Signoretti, F. and Storini, M.: A new modular cosmic-ray detector, Astrophys. Space Sci. Trans., 7, 11-14, doi:10.5194/astra-7-11-2011, 2011.