Large-area transition radiation detectors for cosmic-ray observations in space

Dietrich Mueller; Edward Diehl; Florian Gahbauer; Peter Meyer; Simon P. Swordy

doi:10.1117/12.253967

18 October 1996 Large-area transition radiation detectors for cosmic-ray observations in space

Dietrich Mueller, Edward Diehl, Florian Gahbauer, Peter Meyer, Simon P. Swordy

Proceedings Volume 2806, Gamma-Ray and Cosmic-Ray Detectors, Techniques, and Missions; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.253967
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

The characteristic dependence of x-ray transition radiation on the Lorentz factor of the parent particle can be utilized in cosmic-ray observations on balloons or in space in order to discriminate between relativistic electrons and hadrons, or to determine the energy spectra of heavy cosmic-ray nuclei at very high energies. To obtain statistically meaningful results, exposure factors of the instruments of the order of 100 - 1000 m²sr days are essential. While the intrinsic weight of transition radiation detectors is low, this requires novel approaches and precludes the use of heavy pressurized containers for the instrument. We have developed a system using large arrays of xenon filled proportional tubes as detectors which can operate in a zero pressure environment. We shall discuss this design and present results from prototype evaluations. Finally, we shall describe the capabilities of a practical detector system that will measure the elemental composition and individual energy spectra of heavy cosmic ray nuclei up to energies around 10¹⁵ eV.

Citation Download Citation

Dietrich Mueller, Edward Diehl, Florian Gahbauer, Peter Meyer, and Simon P. Swordy "Large-area transition radiation detectors for cosmic-ray observations in space", Proc. SPIE 2806, Gamma-Ray and Cosmic-Ray Detectors, Techniques, and Missions, (18 October 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.253967

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available