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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Series

Astrophysics and Astronomy

University of New Hampshire

2007

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Design Optimization And Performance Capabilities Of The Fast Neutron Imaging Telescope (Fnit), U Bravar, P J. Bruillard, E O. Fluckiger, Jason S. Legere, John R. Macri, A L. Mackinnon, Procheta Mallik, Mark L. Mcconnell, M R. Moser, B Pirard, James M. Ryan, R S. Woolf Oct 2007

Design Optimization And Performance Capabilities Of The Fast Neutron Imaging Telescope (Fnit), U Bravar, P J. Bruillard, E O. Fluckiger, Jason S. Legere, John R. Macri, A L. Mackinnon, Procheta Mallik, Mark L. Mcconnell, M R. Moser, B Pirard, James M. Ryan, R S. Woolf

Space Science Center

We describe the design optimization process and performance characterization of a next generation neutron telescope, with imaging and energy measurement capabilities, sensitive to neutrons in the 1-20 MeV energy range. The response of the Fast Neutron Imaging Telescope (FNIT), its efficiency in neutron detection, energy resolution and imaging capabilities were characterized through a combination of lab tests and Monte Carlo simulations. Monte Carlo simulations, together with experimental data, are also being used in the development and testing of the image reconstruction algorithm. FNIT was initially conceived to study solar neutrons as a candidate instrument for the Inner Heliosphere Sentinel (IHS) …


Using Lax Scintillator In A New Low-Background Compton Telescope, James M. Ryan, Peter F. Bloser, John R. Macri, Mark L. Mcconnell Sep 2007

Using Lax Scintillator In A New Low-Background Compton Telescope, James M. Ryan, Peter F. Bloser, John R. Macri, Mark L. Mcconnell

Space Science Center

The ability of Compton telescopes to perform imaging and spectroscopy in space depends directly on the speed and energy resolution of the calorimeter detectors in the telescope. The calorimeter detectors flown on space-borne or balloon-borne Compton telescopes have included NaI(Tl), CsI(Na), HPGe and liquid organic scintillator. By employing LaX scintillators for the calorimeter, one can take advantage of the unique speed and resolving power of the material to improve the instrument sensitivity and simultaneously enhance its spectroscopic performance and thus its imaging performance. We present a concept for a space-borne Compton telescope that employs LaX as a calorimeter and estimate …


A Burst Chasing X-Ray Polarimeter, Joanne E. Hill, Scott Barthelmy, J Kevin Black, Philip Deines-Jones, Keith Jahoda, Takanori Sakamoto, Philip Kaaret, Mark L. Mcconnell, Peter F. Bloser, John R. Macri, Jason S. Legere, James M. Ryan, Billy R. Smith Jr, Bing Zhang Sep 2007

A Burst Chasing X-Ray Polarimeter, Joanne E. Hill, Scott Barthelmy, J Kevin Black, Philip Deines-Jones, Keith Jahoda, Takanori Sakamoto, Philip Kaaret, Mark L. Mcconnell, Peter F. Bloser, John R. Macri, Jason S. Legere, James M. Ryan, Billy R. Smith Jr, Bing Zhang

Space Science Center

Gamma-ray bursts are one of the most powerful explosions in the universe and have been detected out to distances of almost 13 billion light years. The exact origin of these energetic explosions is still unknown but the resulting huge release of energy is thought to create a highly relativistic jet of material and a power-law distribution of electrons. There are several theories describing the origin of the prompt GRB emission that currently cannot be distinguished. Measurements of the linear polarization would provide unique and important constraints on the mechanisms thought to drive these powerful explosions. We present the design of …