Imaging proportional counters for the stellar X-ray polarimeterThe xenon-filled IPCs being developed for the Stellar X-ray Polarimeter are described. The requirements placed on the IPCs by the design of the polarimeter are discussed and results on the performance of prototype counters are presented. The design of a prototype of the IPCs is described. Finally, the performance of the prototype is reported. Due to the extremely low count rates encountered in X-ray polarimetry, efficient background rejection is the most critical parameter of the IPCs. Using a background rejection scheme employing anticoincidence and pulse shape discrimination, a rejection efficiency of 99 percent has been achieved for Co-60-induced events over an energy range of 2 to 15 keV while retaining more than 80 percent of the X-ray efficiency.
Document ID
19920037611
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Watkins, R. B., Jr. (Columbia Univ. New York, NY, United States)
Kaaret, P. (Columbia University New York, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Meeting Information
Meeting: EUV, X-ray and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for Astronomy