X-ray, gamma-ray and neutron detector development for future space instrumentation.
- Paper number
IAC-12,D1,2,12,x12877
- Author
Dr. Conny Hansson, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Alan Owens, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. John v.d. Biezen, The Netherlands
- Year
2012
- Abstract
The evermore stringent requirements with respect to performance of detector technology in harsh environments while at the same time reducing their overall drain on space craft resources without loss in performance is a trend that has been observed for the last few decades within the space instrumentation field. To meet these requirements for future space missions ESA is perusing development of new, targeted materials for use as X-ray, γ-ray and neutron detection media. For the medium to hard X-ray range wide bandgap compound semiconductors (CdZnTe, TlBr), offering the potential of fano limited performance under room temperature operation conditions, are being investigated. High resolution scintillators (CeBr3, SrI2), offering the excellent spectroscopic performance of LaBr3 with lower noise levels, are being developed. A solid state neutron detector using a B compound, making available a high refractory replacement for the ever scarcer He3 alternative, is also being manufactured for space based neutron detection. In this paper the underlying need for development of new targeted materials, the rational behind the selected materials and the most current results obtained from these detector development programmes will be discussed
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-12,D1,2,12,x12877.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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