Performance of a gas scintillation proportional counter array for a high-energy X-ray observatory

Mikhail V. Gubarev; Brian Ramsey; Jeffery Apple

doi:10.1117/12.552122

29 September 2004 Performance of a gas scintillation proportional counter array for a high-energy x-ray observatory

Mikhail V. Gubarev, Brian Ramsey, Jeffery Apple

Proceedings Volume 5501, High-Energy Detectors in Astronomy; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552122
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

A focal plane array of high-pressure gas scintillation proportional counters (GSPC) for a High Energy X-Ray Observatory (HERO) has been developed at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The array consists of eight GSPCs and is a part of balloon-born payload scheduled to fly in May 2004. These detectors have an active area of ~ 20 cm² each, and are filled with a high pressure (10⁶ Pa) xenon-helium mixture. Imaging is via crossed-grid position-sensitive phototubes sensitive in the UV region. The performance of the GSPC is well matched to that of the telescope’s x-ray optics which have response to 75 keV and a focal spot size of ~ 0.5 mm. The detector’s energy resolution, 5.0% FWHM at 60 keV, is adequate for resolving the broad spectral lines of astrophysical importance and for accurate continuum measurements. Results of the ground detector array testing are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Mikhail V. Gubarev, Brian Ramsey, and Jeffery Apple "Performance of a gas scintillation proportional counter array for a high-energy x-ray observatory", Proc. SPIE 5501, High-Energy Detectors in Astronomy, (29 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552122

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