Cosmic ray studies with a low multiplicity neutron monitor

This thesis presents some investigations into (i) the effect of atmospheric variations and seasonal environmental changes on the counting rates of neutron monitors and the determination of the minimum thickness of polyethylene or silicon dioxide which may be used as shielding to minimize these effects, (ii) the design of a low multiplicity neutron monitor employing silicon dioxide as reflector, moderator and producer with the following aims: (a) relative freedom from environmental effects, (b) simpler statistical treatment of data and (c) lower cost and (iii) the application of this new type of monitor in the studies of cosmic ray intensity variations with reference to the statistics of observed counting rates, contribution to the total counting rate made by the various secondary components, barometric coefficient, atmospheric pressure and temperature effects, relative response, contribution of atmospheric multiple neutron production to the observed multiplicity distribution and cosmic ray scintillation studies in comparison with the other two conventional IGY- and IQSY-type neutron monitors.