Performance of Large Germanium Detectors at Elevated Temperatures for Satellite Applications

A measurement program has been undertaken to investigate design criteria for satellite-borne Ge(Li) detector systems. The resolution, pulse height, reverse current and efficiency have been measured as a function of temperature and bias voltage for large Ge(Li) detectors. For space applications the important parameters are the knees (rapid changes) in the resolution and leakage current versus temperature. These features are observed to vary appreciably from detector to detector.