The array of scintillation detectors with natural boron for EAS neutrons investigations

Abstract

The new URAN array has been constructed in the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow, Russia). It is aimed at studying of primary cosmic rays in the "knee" region of energy spectrum and detects neutrons produced in interactions of EAS particles with nuclei of atmosphere or matter. The array consists of 72 detectors based on the scintillator with natural boron. Scintillator represents a silicon plate with the granules of ZnS(Ag) and B2O3 mixture. The area of the detector is 0.36 sq. m. Detectors are located on two roofs of the MEPhI laboratory buildings and are combined into clusters of 12 detectors. The structure and the main elements of the URAN array are described.