Pulsed Neutron Elemental Composition Analyzer for Extraterrestrial Planets Exploration

Abstract

In order to simulate the strata of the Moon, a miniaturized high-yield neutron generator and an integrated neutron-gamma spectrometer were designed, and an elemental analysis library and a solution method were established, a simulated well and a ground verification platform with known element content were constructed, enabling the realization of quantitative analysis for primary elements, rare elements, and other elements within the simulated lunar subsurface. The neutron generator has a yield of between 107 and 108 N/s (corresponding to pulse and DC modes, respectively), and the detection time is in the order of minutes, which can achieve an accuracy of 5%. A breakthrough in the key technology of lightweight miniaturization for neutron-gamma spectrometers in planetary exploration missions has been accomplished through this research. This achievement has established a strong foundation for future endeavors in payload space engineering.

Keywords

lunar exploration / pulsed neutron element analyzer / spectral solving algorithm / aaa / lunar Gamma spectrometer