Practical Aspects of a Scintiliation Spectrometer System for Use at High Altitudes

This paper discusses a system designed for obtaining ¿ -spectra from high altitudes, using a lightweight balloon-borne device transmitting pulse information to ground equipment employing a standard multichannel analyzer. The sensing unit is a thallium activated cesium iodide crystal, surrounded with pilot B scintillator for discrimination against charged particles, observed by a 6199 photomultiplier tube. Packaging arrangements to minimize temperature effects and prolong battery lifetime are described. The resolution and drift recorded during operation of the system compared favorably with those observed in the laboratory without telemetering.