Proportional counter from second Pound-Rebka experiment
Date: circa 1961
Inventory Number: 2003-1-0315
Classification: Counter
Subject:
Maker: Robert V. Pound (1919 - 2010)
Dimensions:
45 × 110 × 47 cm (17 11/16 × 43 5/16 × 18 1/2 in.)
Description:
Welded-copper proportional counter (looks like a large rectangular box). The box has a 16" diameter porthole on one side which shows the remains of a metalized mylar window (once used to establish a continuous electrical potential surface) . A tungsten wire would have been stretched across the inside of the box underneath the window.
Signedunsigned
Historical AttributesDesigned by Robert V. Pound and Ronald W.P. Drever for the second round of graviational red shift experiments in 1961. According to Pound (article in object file), the counter would have bee n filled to atmospheric pressure with a gas mixture consisting of 90% argon and 10% methane. One of two constructed.
Curatorial RemarksChecked for radio-activity, cleared 9/15/06.
ProvenanceRemoved from Jefferson Tower in 2003, and transferred to CHSI.