An X-ray Spectrometer for In-Situ Analysis of Solid Astronomical Bodies.

Paper number

IAC-24,A3,IP,178,x89846

Author

Mr. Isaac Sarnoff, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Ms. Maryam Manzoor Amanullah, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Mr. Hamad Shams, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Mr. Tengiz Ibrayev, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Ms. Arwa Alabbasi, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Mr. Artem Knyazev, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Mr. Panagiotis Oikonomou, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Dr. Laura Manenti, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Ms. Hessa Almatroushi, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Dr. Zach Ioannou, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman

Coauthor

Ms. Reem Almehisni, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Dr. Sebastian Els, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), United Arab Emirates

Coauthor

Prof. Francesco Arneodo, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Year

2024

Abstract

Alpha particle X-ray spectrometers (APXSs) have been one of the primary methods for determining the elemental composition of solid astronomical bodies in-situ. These detectors function by bombarding the target surface with high energy alpha particles and X-rays which excite nuclear states in the target material. These reemit characteristic X-rays which can be measured to determine the elements in the target. This type of detector has been a major feature of many lunar, Martian, and asteroid missions. 

APXSs have been able to detect light elements, such as oxygen, because they use Curium 244 as the source for alphas. These particles excite low energy elements, leading to large amounts of low energy X-rays which can then be detected by X-ray sensors, like Silicon Drift Detectors (SDDs).

Yet new developments in SDD windowing technology may render Curium 244 unnecessary to this type of sensor. New silicon nitride and aluminum-based windows for SDDs allow much higher rates of low energy X-rays to be detected. This may allow the detection of light elements like oxygen using only X-ray emitting sources which are more readily available, cheaper, and easier to handle, but cause less excitation of light elements’ nuclear states.

At NYUAD, we are developing an APXS alternative designed to use X-ray only emitting sources while remaining sensitive to light elements.

Abstract document

IAC-24,A3,IP,178,x89846.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,A3,IP,178,x89846.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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