A position-sensitive detector for hard X-ray astronomy
A position-sensitive detector for hard X-ray astronomy
Astronomy in the hard X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum (20 - 250 keV) provides an essential insight into some of the most energetic processes occurring both in our galaxy and beyond. The current status of hard X-ray astronomy is reviewed, and conclusions concerning the required performance of the next generation of imaging telescopes are reached. Imaging in this waveband is made difficult by; the penetrating nature of the X- ray photons, which makes the use of conventional optics impossible. The techniques applicable to hard X-ray imaging are reviewed, with the emphasis being placed upon modulation imaging in which specially designed apertures are used to modulate the incoming source flux according to the position of the source within the field of view. Hard X-ray detection techniques suitable for use with modulation imagers are reviewed. The recent development of position-sensitive photomultipliers, which are now available in a variety of configurations, has created a new possibility for the construction of hard X-ray detectors with the spatial resolution necessary to achieve the goal of arc minute imaging with a coded aperture imaging system. One particular type of position-sensitive photomultiplier has been evaluated in conjunction with a thin NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal to examine its potential in a number of X-ray imaging roles. The basic performance of the photomultiplier is assessed, and a method for using such a detector as a hard X-ray imager is developed. The intrinsic imaging capability of the detector may be relevant in applications where a relatively small detection area is sufficient, but for use in hard X-ray astronomy where the source flux is dominated by the background, a much larger detection area is essential. Methods for constructing large area detectors using position-sensitive photomultipliers are considered, as is the possibility of a position-sensitive phoswich based on the same techniques. Other applications of a compact hard X-ray imaging system are also considered.
University of Southampton
Bird, Antony John
126aa172-1c1e-4881-97cd-f6e7a25073cd
1990
Bird, Antony John
126aa172-1c1e-4881-97cd-f6e7a25073cd
Bird, Antony John
(1990)
A position-sensitive detector for hard X-ray astronomy.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
Astronomy in the hard X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum (20 - 250 keV) provides an essential insight into some of the most energetic processes occurring both in our galaxy and beyond. The current status of hard X-ray astronomy is reviewed, and conclusions concerning the required performance of the next generation of imaging telescopes are reached. Imaging in this waveband is made difficult by; the penetrating nature of the X- ray photons, which makes the use of conventional optics impossible. The techniques applicable to hard X-ray imaging are reviewed, with the emphasis being placed upon modulation imaging in which specially designed apertures are used to modulate the incoming source flux according to the position of the source within the field of view. Hard X-ray detection techniques suitable for use with modulation imagers are reviewed. The recent development of position-sensitive photomultipliers, which are now available in a variety of configurations, has created a new possibility for the construction of hard X-ray detectors with the spatial resolution necessary to achieve the goal of arc minute imaging with a coded aperture imaging system. One particular type of position-sensitive photomultiplier has been evaluated in conjunction with a thin NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal to examine its potential in a number of X-ray imaging roles. The basic performance of the photomultiplier is assessed, and a method for using such a detector as a hard X-ray imager is developed. The intrinsic imaging capability of the detector may be relevant in applications where a relatively small detection area is sufficient, but for use in hard X-ray astronomy where the source flux is dominated by the background, a much larger detection area is essential. Methods for constructing large area detectors using position-sensitive photomultipliers are considered, as is the possibility of a position-sensitive phoswich based on the same techniques. Other applications of a compact hard X-ray imaging system are also considered.
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Published date: 1990
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Local EPrints ID: 458346
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/458346
PURE UUID: ea394d4a-5651-4585-b9c1-36f9ab3c85f7
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Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 18:21
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Author:
Antony John Bird
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