The UCSD/MIT hard X-ray and low energy gamma ray experiment for HEAO-A

An HEAO-A spacecraft is described which is scheduled for launch in April 1977 to survey the sky in the 0.15 keV to 10 MeV range of X-rays with improved sensitivity and angular resolution. The spectral and time variations of discrete sources, and the spectrum and isotropy of the diffuse component will be measured. A hard X-ray and low energy gamma ray experiment is described which will use as an array of seven (NaI)(Tl)/CsI(Na) phoswich detectors and eight large CsI(Na) shields. Detector events are pulse-height analyzed with a selectable time resolution of 0.1, 0.005, or 0.00002 sec. The instrument background is expected to be comprised of approximately equal parts of diffuse gamma rays entering the aperture, radioactive decay of spallation products, and gamma ray leakage through the shields. Detailed background predictions are presented, and sensitivity estimates indicate that the Crab nebula should be detected up to approximately 5 MeV. Approximate 1% isotropy limits for the diffuse component of cosmic gamma rays should be achieved, and its spectrum measured with improved precision.