Disclosed is a He-3 detector arrangement that generally comprises a neutron shield interposed between a thermal neutron source and thermal neutron detectors all resting on a metal platform. In operation, thermal neutrons from the thermal neutron source are emitted when the He-3 detector arrangement is on or near the ground. Some of the thermal neutrons from the neutron source backscatter from the regolith to the neutron detector where a baseline count level is registered. When He-3 is present in the regolith, some of the thermal neutrons are absorbed by the He-3, which reduces the detected count rate. When integrated with a rover, the He-3 detector is moved from place to place with the count rates at each location compared. In this manner, higher and lower levels of He-3 in the regolith can be mapped indicating target regions for mining the He-3.


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    Title :

    Locating mining sites using neutron detection


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2024-07-23


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    G01N Untersuchen oder Analysieren von Stoffen durch Bestimmen ihrer chemischen oder physikalischen Eigenschaften , INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES / B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS / G01V Geophysik , GEOPHYSICS / G21G CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS , Umwandlung chemischer Elemente



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