SBIR Phase I: Xenon 3D Detector for Gamma Ray Astronomy

这项小型企业创新研究（SBIR）项目将通过开发一种新型高压氙（HPXe）探测器元件，对感兴趣的区域进行成像，寻求在100 keV到10 MeV区域实现伽马射线天文学灵敏度的量子飞跃。这一发展将包括(1)一种经济有效的方法，可以安全地将HPXe控制在3240 psig的压力下；(2)在HPXe探测元件内测量伽马射线相互作用的空间坐标的创新方法，以实现高质量的空间和角度测量；(3)在密度为0.55 g/cm3时实现HPXe最佳光谱特性的新方法，以实现1 MeV时接近0.45%的能量分辨率。这种探测元素的大阵列可以为下一代HPXe康普顿伽玛射线望远镜提供理想的探测器，其角分辨率为十分之一度，并提供比即将到来的积分（SPI）卫星伽玛天文台预测的灵敏度提高100倍。这种望远镜的缩小版也可以用于火星表面的区域中子活化分析，远程探测应用，或者是目前在实验室环境中使用的HPGe探测器的绝佳替代品。该项目的预期成果是一种新的基本探测器元件，可用于各种空间物理，现场探测和实验室应用。这种探测器的物理特性与能量分辨率的数量级提高相结合，使其非常适合在卫星或气球载仪器上进行100 keV至5 MeV波段的伽马探测。这项技术的另一个非常令人兴奋的应用是用于探测火星表面中子活化产生的辐射的光谱仪。这样的研究可以提供关于行星土壤组成的重要数据。除了天体物理学应用之外，基于高压氙圆柱形探测器的高能分辨率探测器元件作为HPGe的替代品具有重要的商业潜力，因为它消除了对低温冷却的要求，从而带来了更大的便利性和更广泛的适用性。HPGe目前在许多实验室环境中使用，并且提出的技术可以提供更便宜，更方便的替代方案。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will seek to achieve a quantum leap in sensitivity of gamma ray astronomy in the 100 keV to 10 MeV region through development of a novel high pressure xenon (HPXe) detector element for imaging the region of interest. This development will incorporate (1) a cost-effective means of containing HPXe safely up to pressures of 3240 psig, (2) innovative means of measuring the spatial coordinates of gamma ray interactions within the HPXe detecting element for high quality spatial and angular measurements, and (3) novel methods of realizing the optimal spectroscopic properties of HPXe at a density of 0.55 g/cm3 to achieve an energy resolution approaching 0.45% at 1 MeV. A large array of such detecting elements could provide the ideal detector for a next generation HPXe Compton gamma ray telescope, having an angular resolution of a few tenths of a degree and providing a hundred-fold increase in sensitivity over that predicted for the upcoming Integral (SPI) satellite gamma observatory. A scaled down version of such a telescope could also be used for regional neutron activation analysis of the Martian surface, remote detection applications, or an excellent alternative to HPGe detectors currently used in laboratory settings.The anticipated outcome of this project is a new basic detector element, which can be used for a variety of space physics, field detection, and laboratory applications. The physical characteristics of such a detector combined with an order of magnitude improvement in energy resolution make it well suited for gamma detection in the 100 keV to 5 MeV band aboard satellite or balloon-borne instruments. Another very exciting application of this technology is a spectrometer for detection of radiation emitted as a result of neutron activation of the Martian surface. Such research could provide important data regarding planetary soil composition. In addition to astrophysics applications, a high energy resolution detector element based on high pressure xenon cylindrical detectors has significant commercial potential as a replacement for HPGe because the requirement of cryogenic cooling is eliminated, resulting in greater convenience and broader applicability. HPGe is currently employed in many laboratory settings, and the proposed technology could offer a cheaper and much more convenient alternative.