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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

A new transition radiation detector for cosmic ray nuclei

Test measurements on materials for transition radiation detectors at a low Lorentz factor are reported. The materials will be based on board Spacelab-2 for determining the composition and energy spectra of nuclear cosmic rays in the 1 TeV/nucleon range. The transition radiation detectors consist of a sandwich of radiator-photon detector combinations. The radiators emit X-rays and are composed of polyolefin fibers used with Xe filled multiwired proportional chamber (MWPC) detectors capable of detecting particle Lorentz factors of several hundred. The sizing of the detectors is outlined, noting the requirement of a thickness which provides a maximum ratio of transition radiation to total signal in the chambers. The fiber radiator-MWPC responses were tested at Fermilab and in an electron cyclotron. An increase in transition radiation detection was found as a square power law of Z, and the use of six radiator-MWPC on board the Spacelab-2 is outlined.

Lheureux, J.↗

Dosimetric mapping inside biorack (7-IML-1)

This experiment documents the radiation environment inside Biorack and compares it to theoretical predictions. Other experiments inside Biorack need this information to determine whether changes to samples are caused by radiation or microgravity. Dosimetric stacks, each with 20 to 100 sheets of plastic detector foils (cellulose nitrate, Lexan, and CR39) and nuclear emulsions of different radiation sensitivity are packed together with Thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) inside Type 1 containers. Crew members place two stacks in the 37 C incubator and four in the 36 C incubator, two of which are placed on the 1 g centrifuge. Two stacks are located in a stowage position at ambient temperature. After the mission, the plastic detectors are etched and the nuclear emulsions are developed similar to photographic emulsions. The traces resulting from the interaction of heavy ions with matter can then be evaluated under the microscope. The number, charge, and energy of the particles will be determined. From the TLD readings, the absorbed dose of the low LET components will be received.

Reitz, G.↗

Gamma radiation background measurements from Spacelab 2

A Nuclear Radiation Monitor incorporating a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector was flown as part of the verification flight instrumentation on the Spacelab 2 mission, July 29 to August 6, 1985. Gamma-ray spectra were measured with better than 20 s resolution throughout most of the mission in the energy range 0.1 to 30 MeV. Knowledge of the decay characteristics and the geomagnetic dependence of the counting rates enable measurement of the various components of the Spacelab gamma-ray background: prompt secondary radiation, Earth albedo, and delayed induced radioactivity. The status of the data analysis and present relevant examples of typical background behavior are covered.

Paciesas, William S.↗

Gamma radiation background measurements from Spacelab 2

A Nuclear Radiation Monitor incorporating a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector was flown as part of the verification flight instrumentation on the Spacelab 2 mission, July 29 to August 6, 1985. Gamma-ray spectra were measured with better than 20 s resolution throughout most of the mission in the energy range 0.1 to 30 MeV. Knowledge of the decay characteristics and the geomagnetic dependence of the counting rates enable measurement of the various components of the Spacelab gamma-ray background: prompt secondary radiation, earth albedo, and delayed induced radioactivity. The status of the data analysis and present relevant examples of typical background behavior are covered.

Paciesas, William S.↗

Observation of cosmic-ray particles with Z of 50 or greater and interpretation of the charge spectrum.

Large areas of plastic detectors and nuclear emulsions were exposed to the primary cosmic radiation on two high-altitude balloon flights in May 1968 and September 1969. From measurements on the tracks found in the scanning of the plastic detectors, events with charges Z greater than 50 were selected, and these data were consolidated with those from our earlier flights. Several conclusions can be drawn from the observed charge spectrum. The detection of trans-bismuth nuclei confirms earlier observations of these particles in the cosmic rays. However, no trans-uranium particles were observed. Detailed features of the charge spectrum cannot be explained by nuclei from r-process nucleosynthesis alone. Although the addition of particles following s-process abundances yields improved agreement, the spectrum appears more complicated than would result from a simple combination of r- and s-process abundances with identical propagation histories.

Blanford, G. E., Jr.↗

X-ray detector physics and applications; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, July 23, 24, 1992

Recent developments in X-ray and hard X-ray imaging detector, high-intensity sources, hard X-ray imaging optics, calibration, and detection technologies are discussed. Particular attention is given to a high-MTF X-ray image intensifier, application of monolithic CdZnTe linear solid state ionization detectors for X-ray imaging, magnetic response of high-Tc superconductors to X-ray radiation and detection of X-rays, laboratory soft X-ray source with foil target, detection of explosive materials using nuclear radiation, energy response of astronomical CCD X-ray detectors, calibration techniques for high-flux X-ray detectors, fabrication of grazing-incidence optics using flow-polishing techniques, and numerical simulations for capillary-based X-ray optics. (No individual items are abstracted in this volume)

Hoover, Richard B.↗

Advanced biostack experiment

The Advanced Biostack Experiment is described. The objectives are: (1) to confirm, complement, and enlarge the information obtained from the previous experiments by applying improved and advanced methods of localization and physical and biological evaluation, performing advanced experiments based on these data, and including additional biological specimens and additional radiation detectors; (2) to determine the biological importance of nuclear disintegration stars; (3) to determine the interference of HZE particle induced effects with those of other space flight factors (e.g., weightlessness); and (4) to determine the distribution of HZE particles and of disintegration stars at different locations inside the module and on the pallet.

Buecker, H.↗

Linear energy transfer (LET) spectra of cosmic radiation in low Earth orbit

Integral linear energy transfer (LET) spectra of cosmic radiation (CR) particles were measured on five Cosmos series spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO). Particular emphasis is placed on results of the Cosmos 1887 biosatellite which carried a set of joint U.S.S.R.-U.S.A. radiation experiments involving passive detectors that included thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs), plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTDs), fission foils, nuclear photo-emulsions, etc. which were located both inside and outside the spacecraft. Measured LET spectra are compared with those theoretically calculated. Results show that there is some dependence of LET spectra on orbital parameters. The results are used to estimate the CR quality factor (QF) for the Cosmos 1887 mission.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

Charge, energy, and LET spectra measurements of charged particles in P0006 experiment of LDEF

Measurements are under way of the charged particle radiation environment of the LDEF satellite using stacks of plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTDs) placed in different locations of the satellite. In the initial work, the charge, energy, and linear energy transfer (LET) spectra of charged particles were measured with CR-39 double layer PNTDs located on the west end of the satellite. Primary and secondary stopping heavy ions as well as relativistic galactic cosmic rays (mostly iron particles) were measured separately. The results will be compared with similar measurements in other locations on LDEF with different orientation and shielding conditions. The remarkably detailed study of the charged particle radiation environment of the LDEF satellite will lead to a better understanding of the radiation environment of the Space Station Freedom. It will enable more accurate prediction of single event upsets (SEUs) in microelectronics and, especially, more accurate assessment of the risk, contributed by the different components of the radiation field to the health and safety of crew members.

Benton, E. V.↗

Primary cosmic ray particles with z 35 (VVH particles)

Large areas of nuclear emulsions and plastic detectors were exposed to the primary cosmic radiation during high altitude balloon flights. From the analysis of 141 particle tracks recorded during a total exposure of 1.3 x 10 to the 7th power sq m ster.sec., a charge spectrum of the VVH particles has been derived.

Blanford, G. E., Jr.↗

Primary cosmic ray particles with Z greater than 35 /VVH particles/

Large areas of nuclear emulsions and plastic detectors were exposed to the primary cosmic radiation during high-altitude balloon flights. From an analysis of 141 particle tracks recorded during a total exposure of 13,000,000 sq m-ster-sec, a charge spectrum of the VVH particles has been derived.

Blanford, G. E., Jr.↗

Linear Energy Transfer (LET) spectra of cosmic radiation in low Earth orbit

Integral linear energy transfer (LET) spectra of cosmic radiation (CR) particles were measured on five Cosmos series spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO). Particular emphasis is placed on results of the Cosmos 1887 biosatellite which carried a set of joint U.S.S.R.-U.S.A. radiation experiments involving passive detectors that included thermoluminescent detectors (TLD's), plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTD's), fission foils, nuclear photo-emulsions, etc. which were located both inside and outside the spacecraft. Measured LET spectra are compared with those theoretically calculated. Results show that there is some dependence of LET spectra on orbital parameters. The results are used to estimate the CR quality factor (QF) for the COSMOS 1887 mission.

Parnell, T. A.↗

Nuclear Science Symposium, 29th, and Symposium on Nuclear Power, 14th, Washington, DC, October 20-22, 1982, Proceedings

High-energy radiation detectors suitable for balloon-borne or space-based radiation event studies are described. The employment of NaI(Tl) scintillator bars for gamma ray detection is outlined, and the development of a fluorescent gated gas-filled scintillation proportional counter is reported. A high throughput nondispersive hard X ray spectrograph with angular resolution for cosmic bursts, transients, and sources has been constructed. Features of a sealed high pressure xenon filled imaging proportional counter with a 30 sq cm sensitive area are explored. Finally, the various radiation effects on electronic circuitry in a space environment are defined, and an MOS dosimeter for assaying the cumulative radiation flux in a spacecraft due to ambient conditions is characterized.

Davis, W. D.↗

The ALTCRISS Project On Board the International Space Station

The Altcriss project aims to perform a long term survey of the radiation environment on board the International Space Station. Measurements are being performed with active and passive devices in different locations and orientations of the Russian segment of the station. The goal is perform a detailed evaluation of the differences in particle fluence and nuclear composition due to different shielding material and attitude of the station. The Sileye-3/Alteino detector is used to identify nuclei up to Iron in the energy range above approximately equal to 60 MeV/n; a number of passive dosimeters (TLDs, CR39) are also placed in the same location of Sileye-3 detector. Polyethylene shielding is periodically interposed in front of the detectors to evaluate the effectiveness of shielding on the nuclear component of the cosmic radiation. The project was submitted to ESA in reply to the AO the Life and Physical Science of 2004 and was begun in December 2005. Dosimeters and data cards are rotated every six months: up to now three launches of dosimeters and data cards have been performed and have been returned with the end expedition 12 and 13.

Cucinotta, Francis A.↗

Dosimetric results on EURECA

Detector packages were exposed on the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) as part of the Biostack experiment inside the Exobiology and Radiation Assembly (ERA) and at several locations around EURECA. The packages consist of different plastic nuclear track detectors, nuclear emulsions and thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD's). Evaluation of these detectors yields data on absorbed dose and particle and LET spectra. Preliminary results of absorbed dose measurements in the EURECA dosimeter packages are reported and compared to results of the LDEF experiments. The highest dose rate measured on EURECA is 63.3 plus or minus 0.4 mGy d(exp -1) behind a shielding thickness of 0.09 g cm(exp -2) in front of the detector package.

Reitz, G.↗