Physics Colloquium: Materials, Methods, and Applications of Neutron Transport and Detection

Chris Lavelle (Johns Hopkins University) will give a colloquium in the Physics Department on neutron transport and detection. This lecture is open to the campus community, but assumes at least 1-2 years of physics background coursework.  Come early for cookies and coffee with the Physics Club, starting at 4:15 PM!

Title: Materials, Methods, and Applications of Neutron Transport and Detection

Abstract: Neutron physics finds application across many disciplines, including security, nuclear power, condensed matter physics, fundamental physics, and planetary geology. The clear detection of neutrons requires materials which can discriminate the neutron from other ionizing radiations which may be present, such as gamma rays.  The combined disciplines of radiation transport calculation, often by the Monte Carlo method, and radiation detection can successfully address the design and performance prediction of neutronic systems and detector designs.  In this talk, we review the motivating scientific and technical goals of neutron transport and detection, focusing on work undertaken at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.  Some practical results will be shown, including detector design, lunar geology, and our collaboration with University of Maryland on neutron detecting coated foams (pictured).