Continuum background in space-borne gamma-ray detectors

Author

Evans, L.G. ; Trombka, J.I. ; Starr, R. ; Boynton, W.V. ; Bailey, S.H.

Author_Institution

Sci. Programs, Comput. Sci. Corp., Lanham-Seabrook, MD, USA

fYear

1997

fDate

22-23 Jul 1997

Firstpage

101

Lastpage

103

Abstract

Instrumental backgrounds present a basic limitation to the sensitivity for any gamma-ray detector. This background consists of both discrete lines and a continuum. The discrete background lines are especially important if they occur at the same energies as the lines of interest needed to meet the science objectives of the mission. The continuum background imposes a limit on the signal to noise ratio that can be achieved. Measurements of the gamma-ray continuum background made during the cruise portion of a number of planetary missions are compared. All of these missions used shields to reduce the continuum background. Measurements made during spaceflight can be used to test the effectiveness of different shield designs

Keywords

astronomical instruments; gamma-ray astronomy; gamma-ray detection; germanium radiation detectors; particle detectors; solid scintillation detectors; 100 keV to 10 MeV; Ge; NaI; continuum background; discrete background lines; instrumental backgrounds; planetary missions; sensitivity; shield design; signal to noise ratio; space-borne gamma-ray detectors; Aircraft manufacture; Extraterrestrial measurements; Gamma ray detection; Gamma ray detectors; Phase detection; Position measurement; Radioactive materials; Solid scintillation detectors; Space vehicles; Testing;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

High Energy Radiation Background in Space, 1997 Conference on the

Conference_Location

Snowmass, CO

Print_ISBN

0-7803-4335-2

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/CHERBS.1997.660257

Filename

660257