2020/09/18 by Max I. Fomitchev-Zamilov, Fomitchev-Zamilov, Max I.
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Earthquake Detection and Analysis #FOS: Physical sciences #Nuclear Experiment (nucl-ex) #Nuclear Physics and Applications #Radioactive Decay and Measurement Techniques
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2105.09941
openalex publication_date 2020/09/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
In this paper we examine the puzzle of neutron formation in atmospheric\ndischarge. While conventional explanation relies on photonuclear reactions,\nvoltages used to recreate such discharges in the lab (1 MV) are thought to be\nnot high enough to accelerate electrons beyond the threshold of photonuclear\nreactions (10.5 MeV). We have proposed a solution to the neutron formation\npuzzle and point out that rapidly changing magnetic vector potential creates\nstrong electrokinetic field that can accelerate free electrons to energies that\nare much higher than what is possible with the voltage of the discharge. We\nreport on the development of highly sophisticated and extremely sensitive\nneutron detector system that can reliably detect neutron fluxes smaller than\n0.1 CPS above background and is completely impervious to EM noise. Finally, we\npresent measurements of weak yet statistically significant neutron fluxes\noriginating from sustained 20-30 kV / 20-30 mA X-ray producing discharge in\ndilute atmosphere.\n