Enrico Fermi and the discovery of neutron-induced radioactivity: a project being crowned

Abstract

This paper deals with the Physics Institute of via Panisperna in Rome, getting ready for investigation on neutron physics before Fermi's discovery of neutron-induced radioactivity. The importance of nuclear research had been acknowledged in the Physics Institute in Rome since 1929. The Institute had been directed towards nuclear physics since then, but from the experimental point of view, still in 1933, it was not yet engaged in nuclear experiments on account of the lack of adequate supplies. An adjustment of the equipment and supplies was undertaken, so that strong radioactive sources, Geiger-Mueller counters and Wilson chambers were finally available at the end of 1933, thanks largely to Rasetti's efforts.