Induced X-ray fluorescence background for high-voltage space based detectors

A sounding rocket utilizing Gaseous Electron Multiplier detectors experienced a strong source of unexpected signal during flight which prevented the acquisition of usable science data. We find that the flight data is well-matched with a simple fluorescence model corresponding to K- and L-emission li...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Experimental astronomy 2020-04, Vol.49 (1-2), p.1-20
Main Authors: Rogers, T., McEntaffer, R., McCoy, J., Miles, D. M., Schultz, T., Tutt, J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Computer Science
Electrons
High altitude
High voltages
Missions
Observations and Techniques
Original Article
Photomultiplier tubes
Physics
Physics and Astronomy
Sensors
Sounding rockets
Statistics for Engineering
X ray detectors
X-ray fluorescence
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Summary:A sounding rocket utilizing Gaseous Electron Multiplier detectors experienced a strong source of unexpected signal during flight which prevented the acquisition of usable science data. We find that the flight data is well-matched with a simple fluorescence model corresponding to K- and L-emission lines of the materials present inside the payload. Illuminating the payload with a laboratory electron source produces a similar spectrum. The signal appears to be caused by the presence of ionospheric electrons inside the payload being accelerated by our high-voltage X-ray detectors to energies that can cause fluorescence of the payload interior. Future space based missions utilizing high-voltage detectors should consider the dangers of high-altitude electrons as a potential source of background signal. Missions utilizing Gaseous Electron Multiplier detectors may be at particular risk.
ISSN:0922-6435
1572-9508
DOI:10.1007/s10686-019-09649-5