Polarimetric performance of a Laue lens gamma-ray CdZnTe focal plane prototype
(2008) Journal of Applied Physics — Vol. 104, n° 8 (2008)
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- Abstract
- A gamma-ray telescope mission concept [gamma ray imager (GRI)] based on Laue focusing techniques has been proposed in reply to the European Space Agency call for mission ideas within the framework of the next decade planning (Cosmic Vision 2015-2025). In order to optimize the design of a focal plane for this satellite mission, a CdZnTe detector prototype has been tested at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility under an similar to 100% polarized gamma-ray beam. The spectroscopic, imaging, and timing performances were studied and in particular its potential as a polarimeter was evaluated. Polarization has been recognized as being a very important observational parameter in high energy astrophysics (> 100 keV) and therefore this capability has been specifically included as part of the GRI mission proposal. The prototype detector tested was a 5 mm thick CdZnTe array with an 11 x 11 active pixel matrix (pixel area of 2.5 x 2.5 mm(2)). The detector was irradiated by a monochromatic linearly polarized beam with a spot diameter of about 0.5 mm over the energy range between 150 and 750 keV. Polarimetric Q factors of 0.35 and double event relative detection efficiency of 20% were obtained. Further measurements were performed with a copper Laue monochromator crystal placed between the beam and the detector prototype. In this configuration we have demonstrated that a polarized beam does not change its polarization level and direction after undergoing a small angle (< 1 degrees) Laue diffraction inside a crystal. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics. [DOI:10.1063/1.3000092]
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da Silva, R. M. C., Caroli, E., Stephen, J. B., Pisa, A., Auricchio, N., del Sordo, S., Frontera, F., Honkimaki, V., Schiavone, F., Donati, A., Trindade, A. M. F., & Ventura, G. (2008). Polarimetric performance of a Laue lens gamma-ray CdZnTe focal plane prototype. Journal of Applied Physics, 104(8). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3000092 (Original work published 2008)