Locating mining sites using neutron detection

Abstract

A helium-3 detector arrangement is disclosed that generally includes a neutron shield between a thermal neutron source and a thermal neutron detector, where the thermal neutron source, the thermal neutron detector, and the neutron shield all rest on a metal platform. In operation, the thermal neutron source emits thermal neutrons when the helium-3 detector device is on the ground or near the ground. Some of the thermal neutrons from the neutron source are backscattered from the topsoil layer to the neutron detector, at which a reference count level is recorded. When helium-3 exists in the surface soil layer, some thermal neutrons can be absorbed by helium-3, so that the detected counting rate is reduced. When integrated with the probe vehicle, the helium-3 probe moves everywhere and compares the count rate for each location. In this way, the height level of helium-3 in the topsoil layer can be mapped to indicate the target area for exploiting helium-3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the use of neutron detection techniques to identify mining sites in order to map areas having high concentrations of helium-3 to be mined. Background Art

[0002] Identifying the concentration of a target material to be mined (e.g., helium-3) prior to initiating mining operations is of great value. Having a rough understanding of the concentration of the target element within a mining site can effectively develop a more efficient strategy for extraction methods, thereby minimizing unnecessary loss of time and expense. By performing at least a rough assessment of the concentration of the target material, mining companies can employ more targeted and efficient extraction techniques, reducing the need for large-scale excavation and processing. This approach not only saves valuable resources used to extract the target material but also reduces damage to the entire mining site.

[0003] Additionally, knowing the target material concentration in advance has a significant impact on the economic viability of a mining project. Accurate assessments allow for informed decisions on whether to proceed with mining, thereby avoiding costly attempts where the target material concentration may be too low to achieve a minimum return. By identifying areas of high target material concentration, mining operations are able to more efficiently allocate their resources, directing investment to locations with higher concentrations, thereby maximizing their operating efficiency and profitability while minimizing time loss and non-essential mining costs. Most importantly, the value of identifying target material concentrations prior to mining is its ability to ensure a more efficient method for target material extraction.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to innovations related to this subject matter. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for mining and collecting helium-3 and other target gaseous elements from extraterrestrial bodies in an extremely low pressure environment. Extremely low pressure is defined as less than 7 millibars.

[0006] In this case, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate a helium-3 detection device as shown, which includes a thermal neutron source and a thermal neutron detector. More specifically, the thermal neutron source may include a thermal neutron emitter encapsulated in a hydrogen-rich material, wherein the thermal neutron source is configured to emit thermal neutrons in all directions. The thermal neutron detector may be configured to detect the concentration of thermal neutrons. In the device, a neutron shield is placed between the thermal neutron source and the thermal neutron detector. The neutron shield is configured to block some thermal neutrons emitted from the thermal neutron source that are aimed at the thermal neutron detector (e.g., attenuating at least 90% of the neutrons between the shield and the thermal neutron detector). For example, a power source such as a battery or a solar system is configured to provide power to the thermal neutron source and the thermal neutron detector. The metal plate has a perimeter, i.e., a sidewall boundary of the metal plate shown by four sides. The thermal neutron source, the thermal neutron detector, and the neutron shield are arranged within the perimeter of the metal plate.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a helium-3 detection system that generally includes a thermal neutron detector for sensing the number of neutrons emitted from a thermal neutron source to assess the concentration of helium-3 in a topsoil layer or other granular soil. More specifically, the embodiment contemplates that the thermal neutron source is configured to emit thermal neutrons in all directions, wherein the thermal neutron detection system is configured to detect the neutron concentration of thermal neutrons backscattered from the granular soil. A neutron shield is placed between the thermal neutron source and the thermal neutron detector to isolate neutrons detected from the topsoil layer, thereby assessing the number or concentration of helium-3 in the topsoil layer. The system may include a power source such as a battery to provide power to the thermal neutron source and the thermal neutron detection system. The neutron shield, the thermal neutron source, and the thermal neutron detection system are contemplated to be disposed on a metal plate that is configured to be placed within 10 centimeters of the surface of the granular soil.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a device for detecting helium-3 in the regolith of the moon. The device may include: a neutron source configured to emit thermal neutrons; a neutron detector configured to detect the concentration of neutrons backscattered from the regolith; and a neutron shield disposed between the neutron source and the neutron detector. The neutron shield is configured to block at least some neutrons in the line of sight between the neutron source and the neutron detector. The device may also include a power source configured to provide power to the thermal neutron source, the thermal neutron detection system, and a transmitter. The transmitter is configured to transmit the neutron concentration to a remote receiver. The neutron shield, the thermal neutron source, and the thermal neutron detection system are contemplated to be disposed on a metal plate. The device is also contemplated to be moved to different locations on the lunar surface via a transporter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A is a line drawing of an embodiment of a transport aircraft and a helium-3 detector consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of mapping an area on the moon using a helium-3 probe assembly carried on a jumper transporter consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2A-2C is a line drawing depicting a helium-3 detector apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2D is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a thermal neutron source along section line BB consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2E is a line drawing of a cross-section of a helium-3 detector apparatus along section line AA consistent with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0014] Figure 3 is a line drawing of another embodiment of a helium-3 detector apparatus having a handle consistent with embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] First, the present disclosure is given only in an exemplary and non-restrictive manner. Therefore, although the implementation means described herein are for the convenience of explanation and are shown and described for exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the principles of this article can be equally applied to other similar structures related to the subject matter in the field of the present invention. Phrases such as "in one embodiment" and "according to one embodiment" generally mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics following the phrase are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and can be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. Importantly, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. If the specification indicates that a certain component or feature "may", "can", "may" or "perhaps" include or have a certain characteristic, then the specific component or feature does not necessarily include or have the characteristic. The terms "having", "with", "including" and "including" used in this article are regarded as open language, synonymous with the term "including". In addition, the term "substantially" used in this article is intended to emphasize that the characteristics of something should be interpreted within an acceptable tolerance range known to those skilled in the art to meet typical normal world tolerances, and its meaning is similar to "more or less". For example, substantially flat, substantially straight, substantially on time, etc. all indicate that these characteristics cannot be perfect in their limited sense. Thus, if "substantially" does not specify a specific + / - value, it is assumed that substantially means within + / - 2.5% of the exact value. The term "connected to" as used herein should be interpreted as a first element being physically linked or attached to a second element, rather than as an "additional means" as in "means plus function." In fact, unless the term expressly uses "means" followed by the gerund form of the verb, the term should not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Hereinafter, the same markings may be used to identify similar or identical structures.

[0016] With respect to the drawings, it is noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and are schematic in nature to illustrate the features of interest. Descriptive terms such as above / below, top / bottom, horizontal / vertical, left / right, etc. may be employed with respect to the various views or conventions provided in the figures as would be commonly understood by an observer to enhance the reader's understanding and are in no way intended to be limiting. All embodiments described herein are considered operable regardless of the overall physical orientation unless elements that rely on gravity for operation are otherwise specifically described.

[0017] Embodiments for identifying target materials in extremely low pressure and low gravity environments are described herein. An extremely low pressure environment is defined herein as less than 7 millibars, while the pressure at sea level on Earth is approximately 1 bar. Low gravity is defined herein as at most 4 m / sec. 2Various aspects of the invention contemplate the mining of gaseous atoms and molecules on extraterrestrial bodies such as the Moon, asteroids, satellites orbiting other planets, Mars, etc. Many such extraterrestrial bodies have little or no ambient pressure at or within a few meters of their surface, and, depending on the size of the extraterrestrial body, they typically have a gravity that is significantly lower than the gravity on Earth.

[0018] Although embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with many different extraterrestrial bodies, one purpose of the present invention is to focus on mining gaseous atoms and molecules (materials) from the Moon. The Moon's atmosphere (surface boundary exosphere) has a mass of approximately 3×10 -15 bar and can range in temperature from 20° to 400° Kelvin. Extracting or otherwise mining important gaseous materials such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium from the Moon could reduce reliance on transporting such gaseous materials from Earth in order to continue exploring the Moon and maintain long-term habitation on the Moon. In addition, Helium-3 (He-3), a light stable isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron, is expected to be an important ingredient in fusion reactions, and the abundance of He-3 on the Moon is much higher than on Earth. In some estimates, the abundance of He-3 on the Moon is more than a thousand times higher than that on Earth, making the Moon a better target for obtaining He-3.

[0019] Some embodiments of the present invention contemplate identifying the concentration of target materials on or within a few feet below the lunar surface by detecting the concentration of neutrons backscattered from the lunar regolith (or "regolith" for short). In this way, target materials to be mined can be mapped within a mining area of ​​interest.

[0020] Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate a helium-3 detector device, which generally includes a neutron shield placed between a thermal neutron source and three thermal neutron detectors, and the thermal neutron source, thermal neutron detectors and neutron shield are all placed on a metal platform. In operation, when the helium-3 detector device is placed directly on the ground (topsoil) or slightly above the ground, thermal neutrons are emitted from the thermal neutron source. Some thermal neutrons from the neutron source will be backscattered from the topsoil and will be detected by the thermal neutron detection system, thereby recording a baseline count level. When helium-3 is present in the topsoil, some thermal neutrons will be absorbed by the helium-3, thereby reducing the detected count rate. When integrated into a probe vehicle, the device can be moved around and compare the count rate at each location, or the probe vehicle can slowly crawl along the ground. In this way, the high and low levels of helium-3 in the topsoil can be mapped.

[0021] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1Ais a line drawing of an embodiment of a transporter and helium-3 probe 100 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. The transporter and helium-3 probe 100 generally includes a helium-3 (He-3) probe 200, which is supported or otherwise carried by a rover 102. The rover 102 includes a running gear, which in this embodiment is a wheel 106 mounted on a suspension system 105, but the running gear may simply include tracks, robotic legs, or some other type of running gear to transport the helium-3 probe 200 to different locations on the lunar surface. As shown, the helium-3 probe 200 rests on top of a metal plate 110 and is substantially enclosed by a shield 108. An antenna 212 extending from the shield 108 is connected to a transmitter and may be connected to a transceiver (not shown). The antenna 212 facilitates at least one-way communication with a receiver remote from the rover 102 by means of, for example, radio frequency RF. Other embodiments contemplate the following. Figure 1B As shown, the helium-3 probe 200 is integrated with a low-gravity jumper 120, which jumps from the surface of the moon 122 and then lands at different locations on the surface of the moon 122. The low-gravity jumper 120 can jump from the surface of the moon 122 using jet propulsion or a spring-loaded platform. The spring-loaded platform avoids damaging the surface 112A of the regolith 112.

[0022] More specifically, Figure 1B 1 is a schematic diagram of mapping an area on the moon using a helium-3 detector device carried on a jumper transport consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment contemplates a jumper transport 120 that can jump from a first location 152 after assessing the helium-3 concentration at the first location 152, land at a second location 154 and assess the helium-3 concentration at the second location 154, and then jump to a third location 156 to assess the helium-3 concentration at the third location 156. In this way, the helium-3 concentration of a portion of the lunar surface can be mapped to pinpoint an ideal location for mining helium-3. Since the gravity on the moon is about 1 / 6 of the gravity on the earth, the energy required for the jumper 120 to jump (and land) is significantly reduced. The jumper transport 120 can be a spring-loaded vehicle or pod, and can use a gyroscope or jetpack to stay level (keep upright orientation when jumping). Optionally, the jumper transport 120 can be equipped with a rocket to jump from location 154 to location 156.

[0023] Figure 2A-2C is a line drawing depicting a helium-3 detector apparatus 200 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A is an isometric drawing of the major components of the helium-3 detector 200, such as Figure 2AAs shown, the helium-3 detector 200 includes a neutron shield 206 disposed between a thermal neutron source 202 and three thermal neutron detectors 204. The neutron shield 206 blocks the line of sight 218 of a portion of the thermal neutrons 222 emitted from the thermal neutron source 202, preventing them from affecting the thermal neutron detectors 204. The line of sight 218 is defined as a straight line along which an observer (in this case, the thermal neutron source 202) can "see" the thermal neutron detector device 204 without obstruction. In one embodiment, the neutron shield 206 is contemplated as two 1-2 inch thick pieces of boronized HDPE (high density polyethylene) produced by EMCO Industrial Plastics, LLC, headquartered in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Boronized HDPE is specifically designed for nuclear shielding applications. The material uses 5% by weight of boron to shield neutrons in a variety of applications, including high-intensity X-rays, cancer treatment facilities, hospitals, nuclear submarines, and nuclear power plants. One 1 inch thick plate should attenuate the flux of thermal neutrons 222 in the line of sight 218 to about 5% on the other side of the neutron shield 206, while two 1 inch thick plates should attenuate the flux of thermal neutrons 222 in the line of sight 218 to about 0.025% on the other side of the neutron shield 206. In other words, the two plates should attenuate or otherwise prevent 99.25% of the neutrons from reaching the thermal neutron detector 204. In this embodiment, the two plates 206A and 206B are separated by a lead plate 207. As further shown, the neutron shield 206, the thermal neutron source 202, the thermal neutron detector 204, the battery pack 210, the antenna 212, and the antenna connection line 213 are all supported by the metal plate 110.

[0024] Figure 2B It is an example depiction Figure 2A 2, but the line drawing does not show the neutron shield 206 in order to show the line of sight 218 between the thermal neutron source 202 and the thermal neutron detector assembly 204. The line of sight 218 is a direct path between the thermal neutron source 202 and the three thermal neutron detectors 204, which essentially make up the thermal neutron detector assembly 204.

[0025] The thermal neutron detector device 204 is sensitive to the number of neutrons 222 that impact the detector device 204 and is therefore able to provide information about the concentration of neutrons it encounters. There are several commercially available thermal neutron detectors 204, including the BF3 counter tube produced by Mirion Technologies, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The thermal neutron detector uses a boron trifluoride (BF3) neutron counter. The neutron sensitivity of these proportional counters is achieved by filling the tube with boron trifluoride gas made from a high concentration of boron-10. Thermal neutrons react with the isotope boron-10 to emit alpha particles, which produce ionization (electrons and gas ions) in the gas fill of the detector. In the electric field between the electrodes, these charged particles are accelerated and undergo secondary ionization. This so-called "gas amplification" proportionally increases the amount of charge produced in the tube.

[0026] Figure 2C is a top view line drawing of the helium-3 detector assembly 200, depicting the elements relative to the section lines AA and BB. For reference, an electronic equipment housing 216 is shown, which houses the computing electronics required to operate the various electrical elements contained in the helium-3 detector 200, and a communication equipment housing 214 houses a transmitter or possible transceiver. The antenna 212 is connected to the communication circuit in the communication equipment housing 214. A battery 210, a thermal neutron source 202, a neutron shield 206, and a thermal neutron detector assembly 204 are also shown. The thermal neutron detector assembly 204 includes three detectors in this embodiment, but may also have as few as one detector or more detectors as needed. Section line AA substantially bisects the metal plate 110, the thermal neutron source 202, the neutron shield 206, and the thermal neutron detection assembly 204. Section line BB, which is orthogonal to section line AA, bisects the thermal neutron source 202.

[0027] Figure 2Dis a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a thermal neutron source 202 along the section line BB consistent with embodiments of the present invention. This embodiment of the thermal neutron source 202 may include an americium beryllium (AmBe) neutron source (core) 232 encapsulated in a hydrogen-rich shell 230, which shell 230 is contemplated in this embodiment as a polyethylene shell. The polyethylene shell 230 reduces the energy of the neutrons by colliding with hydrogen nuclei in the polyethylene, thereby thermalizing the neutrons. The AmBe thermal neutron source is commercially available from QSA Global, Inc., headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. An alternative thermal neutron source 202 includes an integrated moderated neutron generator such as a deuterium-tritium or deuterium-deuterium neutron generator, which are commercially available from Adelphi Technology, Inc., headquartered in Redwood City, California. Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate that the thermal neutron source 202 is an off-the-shelf, easily commercially available thermal neutron source.

[0028] Figure 2E 2 is a line drawing of a cross section of a helium-3 detector device 200 along the section line AA consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. It is known that helium-3 absorbs neutrons. Therefore, the concentration of neutrons penetrating the helium-3 will be reduced accordingly. In the device 200, some neutrons emitted from the thermal neutron source 202 as shown by arrow 219 will be backscattered from the regolith 112 to the thermal neutron detector 204 (see narrow arrow 220), and some neutrons in arrow 219 will be absorbed by the helium-3 present in the regolith 112. Therefore, the concentration of helium-3 in the regolith 112 will be inversely proportional to the following concentration, that is, the concentration of neutrons detected by the thermal neutron detector 204 relative to the concentration of neutrons emitted by the thermal neutron source 202. In other words, the higher the concentration of helium-3 in the regolith 112, the fewer the number of neutrons reaching the thermal neutron detector 204, which is shown by the narrow arrow 220. The neutron shield 206 blocks neutrons in the line of sight 218 of the neutron detector 204, preventing them from hitting the neutron detector 204, thereby improving the resolution of the backscattered neutron concentration 220. The metal plate 110 is made of aluminum in some embodiments, which does not change the number of neutrons (emitted by the thermal neutron source 202) that penetrate into the regolith 112. According to the device 200, the neutron concentration detected by the thermal neutron detector 204 is compared with the neutron concentration produced by the thermal neutron source 202 to provide an indication of the helium-3 concentration in the area of ​​the regolith 112. Although the exact amount of helium-3 may not be obtained, a relative amount can be obtained, which is sufficient to identify and map high-interest areas on the moon for mining helium-3 based on sampling of different areas / regions on the moon. Data acquisition and calculations can be performed by an electronic computer system 216 on the helium-3 detector device 200.

[0029] Figure 3is a line drawing of another embodiment of a helium-3 detector apparatus 200 including a handle 224 that may be used to carry the helium-3 detector apparatus 200 manually or via a robot, or otherwise transport the helium-3 detector apparatus 200 from one location to another.

[0030] In view of the present description, the following are examples of certain embodiments, which exemplarily supplement some of the device embodiments discussed above and shown in the figures to help the reader understand. Therefore, the elements mentioned below are examples provided to help understand the present invention and should not be considered as limitations. The reader will understand that the following elements and configurations are interchangeable within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments may include the elements in the figures.

[0031] In this case, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate that Figure 2A-2E The helium-3 detection device 200 shown in the figure includes a thermal neutron source 202 and a thermal neutron detector 204. More specifically, the thermal neutron source 202 may include a thermal neutron emitter 232 encapsulated in a hydrogen-rich material 230, wherein the thermal neutron source 202 is configured to emit thermal neutrons 222 in all directions (see Figure 2E ). The thermal neutron detector 204 may be configured to detect a concentration 220 of thermal neutrons 218. In the apparatus 200, a neutron shield 206 is disposed between the thermal neutron source 202 and the thermal neutron detector 204. The neutron shield 206 is configured to block some thermal neutrons 222 emitted from the thermal neutron source 202 that are aimed at the thermal neutron detector 204 (e.g., attenuate at least 90% of the neutrons 222 located between the shield 206 and the thermal neutron detector 204). A power source 210, such as a battery or a solar system, is configured to provide power to the thermal neutron source 202 and the thermal neutron detector 204. The metal plate 110 has a perimeter 114, i.e., a sidewall boundary of the metal plate 110 shown by four sides 114. The thermal neutron source 202, the thermal neutron detector 204, and the neutron shield 206 are disposed within the perimeter 114 of the metal plate 110.

[0032] In another embodiment, rover 102 is contemplated to support helium-3 detection device 200, wherein rover 102 positions metal plate 110 within 10 centimeters of surface 112A of granular soil 112. Helium-3 detection device 200 contemplates concentration 220 being affected by the concentration of helium-3 in granular soil 112.

[0033] In another embodiment of the helium-3 detection device 200, the metal plate 110 is made of aluminum.

[0034] Helium-3 detection device 200 may also include wireless communicators 212 and 214 configured to transmit concentration 220 to a receiver, such as a receiver at a remote hub or remote site, which evaluates each sampling location (from 152 and 154 to 156, such as Figure 1B In some embodiments, the concentration 220 can be determined relative to time.

[0035] In another embodiment of the helium-3 detection device 200 , the metal plate 110 is at least a portion of a rover base of the rover 102 .

[0036] The helium-3 detection apparatus 200 also contemplates that the metal plate 110 is located less than 10 centimeters from the granular surface 112A when the thermal neutron source 202 is emitting neutrons 222 .

[0037] The helium-3 detection device 200 contemplates an embodiment in which the metal plate 110 includes a handle 224 configured to be carried by at least one person or a robot.

[0038] The helium-3 detection device 200 contemplates an embodiment in which the metal plate 110 is attached to the low-gravity jumper 120 .

[0039] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a helium-3 detection system 200 that generally includes a thermal neutron detector 204 for sensing the number of neutrons 222 emitted from a thermal neutron source 202 to assess the helium-3 concentration in the regolith 112 or other granular soil. More specifically, the embodiment contemplates that the thermal neutron source 202 is configured to emit thermal neutrons 222 in all directions, wherein the thermal neutron detection system 204 is configured to detect the neutron concentration 220 of the thermal neutrons 222 backscattered from the granular soil 112. A neutron shield 206 is disposed between the thermal neutron source 202 and the thermal neutron detector 204 to isolate the neutrons detected from the regolith 112, thereby assessing the number or concentration of helium-3 in the regolith 112. The system may include a power source 210, such as a battery, to provide power to the thermal neutron source 202 and the thermal neutron detection system 204. The neutron shield 206 , thermal neutron source 202 , and thermal neutron detection system 204 are contemplated to be disposed on a metal plate 110 that is configured to be placed within 10 centimeters of a surface 112A of the granular soil 112 .

[0040] The helium-3 detection system 200 further contemplates that the neutron shield 206 is configured to block at least 90% of the thermal neutrons 222 emitted from the thermal neutron source 202 that are aimed 218 at the thermal neutron detection system 204 .

[0041] The helium-3 detection system 200 further contemplates that the neutron concentration 220 detected by the thermal neutron detection system 204 is inversely proportional to the helium-3 concentration in the granular soil 112 .

[0042] The helium-3 detection system 200 contemplates an embodiment in which the neutron shield 206 is a boronized shield.

[0043] The helium-3 detection system embodiment 200 may also include a transmitter 214 configured to transmit the neutron concentration 220 to a remote receiver.

[0044] The helium-3 detection system 200 is contemplated to be moved to different locations (from 152 and 154 to 156, as shown) on the surface 112A of the celestial body 122 by means of a transport aircraft. Figure 1B ), to map out an area of ​​helium-3 concentration using a helium-3 detection system 200, the transporter being selected from the group consisting of a rover 102, a low-gravity jumper 120, or a robot (not shown).

[0045] The helium-3 detection system 200 contemplates a neutron shield 206 that is 1 to 4 inches thick, depending on the amount of neutron attenuation desired on the thermal neutron detection system side of the neutron shield 206 .

[0046] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates an apparatus 200 for detecting helium-3 in a regolith 112 on the moon 122. The apparatus 220 may include a neutron source 202 configured to emit thermal neutrons 222; a neutron detector 204 configured to detect a neutron concentration 220 of neutrons 222 backscattered 220 from the regolith 112; and a neutron shield 206 disposed between the neutron source 202 and the neutron detector 204. The neutron shield 206 is configured to block at least some neutrons 222 in a line of sight 218 between the neutron source 202 and the neutron detector 204. The apparatus 200 may also include a power source 210 configured to provide power to the thermal neutron source 202, the thermal neutron detection system 204, and transmitters 212 and 214. The transmitters 212 and 214 are configured to transmit the neutron concentration 220 to a remote receiver. Neutron shield 206, thermal neutron source 202, and thermal neutron detection system 204 are envisioned to be disposed on metal plate 110. Apparatus 200 is also envisioned to be moved to different locations (from 152 and 154 to 156, such as 157) on surface 112A of moon 122 via transporter 102 or 120. Figure 1B shown).

[0047] In the apparatus 200 , the neutron shield 206 is contemplated to be sufficiently thick and contain sufficient attenuating material, such as boron, to attenuate at least 95% of the neutrons 222 .

[0048] In the apparatus 200 , the neutron concentration 220 detected by the neutron detector 204 is inversely proportional to the helium-3 concentration in the regolith 112 .

[0049] These exemplary embodiments are not exhaustive of the embodiments presented in the entire description, but are merely examples of chains of embodiments consistent with the envision of embodiments of the present invention. In other words, many other embodiments are described herein that are not necessarily shown in the device embodiments presented immediately above.

[0050] It should be understood that although the numerous features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention and the details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the present invention are listed in the foregoing description, the present disclosure is only exemplary and changes can be made in details, especially in the structure and arrangement of components, as long as they are within the scope of the principles indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms expressed in the attached embodiments. For example, the orientation of components and plates can include other geometric shapes that are not explicitly shown in the above embodiments, but can maintain basically the same function without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Similarly, the materials and structures of the neutron shielding can be different, but still achieve the same purpose without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, the electronic equipment and computing equipment that can realize the functions of the helium-3 detection system are not described in detail because they either already exist or can be easily constructed by those skilled in the art.

[0051] It is evident that the present invention is well adapted to the objects and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Although presently preferred embodiments have been described for the purposes of this disclosure, many modifications may be made which will readily occur to those skilled in the art and are encompassed within the spirit of the disclosed invention and defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A helium-3 detection device, comprising: a thermal neutron source comprising a thermal neutron emitter encapsulated in a hydrogen-rich material, the thermal neutron source being configured to emit thermal neutrons in all directions; a thermal neutron detector configured to detect a concentration of thermal neutrons; a neutron shield disposed between the thermal neutron source and the thermal neutron detector, the neutron shield being configured to block some thermal neutrons emitted from the thermal neutron source that are aimed at the thermal neutron detector; a power source configured to provide power to the thermal neutron source and the thermal neutron detector; as well as A metal plate defines a perimeter, wherein the thermal neutron source, the thermal neutron detector, and the neutron shield are disposed within the perimeter of the metal plate.

2. The helium-3 detection device of claim 1, further comprising a detection vehicle configured to position the metal plate within 10 centimeters of a surface of the granular soil.

3. The helium-3 detection device of claim 2, further comprising a computer system configured to correlate the concentration of thermal neutrons with the concentration of helium-3 in the granular soil.

4. The helium-3 detection device according to claim 1, wherein the metal plate is made of aluminum.

5. The helium-3 detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless communicator configured to transmit the concentration of thermal neutrons.

6. The helium-3 detection device of claim 5, wherein the concentration of thermal neutrons is relative to time.

7. The helium-3 detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a rover, wherein the rover comprises a rover base having the metal plate.

8. The helium-3 detection device according to claim 1, wherein when the thermal neutron source emits thermal neutrons, the metal plate is located less than 10 cm away from the granular surface.

9. The helium-3 detection device of claim 1, wherein the metal plate includes a handle configured to be carried by at least one person or a robot.

10. The helium-3 detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a low-gravity jumper.

11. A helium-3 detection system comprising: a thermal neutron source configured to emit thermal neutrons in all directions; a thermal neutron detection system configured to detect neutron concentrations of thermal neutrons backscattered from the granular soil; a neutron shield disposed between the thermal neutron source and the thermal neutron detection system; a power source configured to provide power to the thermal neutron source and the thermal neutron detection system; as well as A metal plate houses the neutron shield, the thermal neutron source, and the thermal neutron detection system.

12. The helium-3 detection system of claim 11, wherein the neutron shield is configured to block at least 90% of thermal neutrons emitted from the thermal neutron source and aimed at the thermal neutron detection system.

13. The helium-3 detection system of claim 11, further comprising a computer system configured to calculate a helium-3 concentration in the granular soil that is inversely proportional to a neutron concentration of thermal neutrons.

14. The helium-3 detection system of claim 11, wherein the neutron shield is a boronized shield.

15. The helium-3 detection system of claim 11, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit the neutron concentration of thermal neutrons.

16. The helium-3 detection system of claim 11, further comprising a transporter configured to move to a different location on a surface of a celestial body, the transporter selected from the group consisting of a rover, a low-gravity jumper, and a robot.

17. The helium-3 detection system of claim 11, wherein the neutron shield is 1 to 4 inches thick.

18. An apparatus for detecting helium-3 in the lunar regolith, the apparatus comprising: a neutron source configured to emit thermal neutrons; a neutron detector configured to detect a neutron concentration of thermal neutrons backscattered from the regolith; a neutron shield disposed between the neutron source and the neutron detector, the neutron shield being configured to block at least some thermal neutrons in a line of sight between the neutron source and the neutron detector; a power source configured to provide power to the neutron source and the neutron detector; a transmitter configured to transmit a neutron concentration of thermal neutrons; a metal plate, comprising a neutron shield, a neutron source and a neutron detector disposed on the metal plate; as well as A transporter configured to move the apparatus to a different location on the lunar surface.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the neutron shield attenuates at least 95% of thermal neutrons.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a computer system configured to indirectly calculate the helium-3 concentration in the regolith from the neutron concentration of thermal neutrons.

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