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A compton backscatter densitometer for the RoLand Comet Lander - Design concept and Monte Carlo simulations

Ball, Andrew J., Solomon, Christopher J., Zarnecki, John C. (1996) A compton backscatter densitometer for the RoLand Comet Lander - Design concept and Monte Carlo simulations. Planetary and Space Science, 44 (3). pp. 283-293. ISSN 0032-0633. (doi:10.1016/0032-0633(95)00147-6) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:18796)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0032-0633(95)00147-6

Abstract

A Compton Backscatter Densitometer has been proposed for the RoLand probe in order to measure the bulk density of material near the surface of a comet nucleus. RoLand is to be deployed from a spacecraft in orbit around the target comet, as part of the international Rosetta mission. The basis for the use of this technique on RoLand is explained. Densitometers have been used twice before in planetary exploration, however the RoLand design aims to employ a lower energy radioisotope source so that a lightweight detection system can be used. Monte Carlo simulation of scattering and absorption in semi-infinite bulk materials has been used to investigate the design parameters, specifically the variation of backscattered count rate with density measurement can be made provided that the basic elemental composition of the material is known.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/0032-0633(95)00147-6
Subjects: Q Science > QB Astronomy
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Depositing User: M.A. Ziai
Date Deposited: 16 May 2009 21:27 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:57 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/18796 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Solomon, Christopher J..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5057-4614
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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