Open AccessPreliminary FLUKA simulations of the Changvan Neutron Monitor
Author(s) -
Kanokkarn Fongsamut,
Peng Jiang,
Waraporn Nuntiyakul,
A. Sáiz,
D. Ruffolo,
P.S. Mangeard,
P. A. Evenson,
K. Munakata,
J. Madsen,
Pongpichit Chuanraksasat,
B. Soonthorntham,
S. Komonjinda,
Ronald Macatangay
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of physics. conference series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1742-6596
pISSN - 1742-6588
DOI - 10.1088/1742-6596/1719/1/012004
Subject(s) - neutron , neutron detection , nuclear physics , physics , neutron flux , cosmic ray , neutron temperature , neutron monitor , neutron generator , range (aeronautics) , fission , neutron moderator , nuclear engineering , neutron emission , neutron cross section , materials science , engineering , composite material
A neutron monitor (NM) is a ground- (or sea-) based detector of the flux of cosmic ray particles in space. The high-energy cosmic rays in the GeV primary range interact in the upper atmosphere, producing a cascade of subatomic particles, some of which reach Earth’s surface. A neutron monitor is mostly sensitive to the neutron component of the atmospheric cascade. The standard-design neutron monitor (NM64) contains lead, the nuclei of which fragment when struck by a high-energy particle. Some of the fragments are neutrons which are moderated and trapped by polyethylene acting as a reflector and moderator. These neutrons can then be detected by induced nuclear fission of 10 B in a 10 BF3 gas proportional counter. The Changvan neutron monitor is a portable neutron monitor assembled in Thailand and housed in a standard insulated shipping container to conduct long-term research in polar regions. There are three proportional counters in the Changvan, but the central counter lacks the lead producer. Since the detector has a non-standard semi-leaded design, we examine the detection efficiency of the Changvan for neutrons and other atmospheric secondary particles. We are also developing an electronic board and a highly sensitive control module to reduce dead time to a minimum, for monitoring neutrons in the GeV energy range. Simulation results accounting for the dead time will also be reported.