Measurements of Conversion Ratio, Resonance Escape and Fast Fission as Student Experiments

The sequence of three reactor-physics measurements as pedagogical experiments is discussed in regard to parameter interpretation, theory of measurement, and technique of measurement. The experimental apparatus and techniques were in part chosen for their teaching value; perhaps particularly significant is the technique for correcting the Np²³⁹ activity for the fission activity contribution. The time and equipment requirements are presented in detail, and some student results are briefly summarized.