Project Title:

Photodiode Scintillation Detector for Anti-Coincidence Shielding

08.19-1167A
911028
Photodiode Scintillation Detector for Anti-Coincidence Shielding
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
44 Hunt Street
Watertown
MA
02172
Gerald
Entine
617-926-1167
GSFC
NAS5-31929
170

08.19-1167A
911028

Abstract:

Photodiode Scintillation Detector for Anticoincidence Shielding
An important goal of space research is to understand the physics involved in the
activity of stars and the interactions of the sun with Earth and other planets. Increasing
our understanding of solar activity can only be achieved by improving the tools and
methods used to study the sun and other astronomical phenomena. Measurement of the
electromagnetic emissions of the sun and stars are the primary techniques used to
study them. Gamma ray and x-ray measurements are the key to understanding the internal
processes of the sun. These important measurements are difficult because of the large
flux of ionizing particles present in space. The interference of this particle background
can be reduced using an anticoincidence shielding technique. This project will investigate
a detector that can significantly improve gamma and x-ray measurements by improving
anticoincidence instrumentation.
Nuclear detectors are used in scientific, industrial, safety, and medical instrumentation.
The market for them is tens-of-millions of dollars; phototubes represent the major
portion of this market. Avalanche photodiodes would gain a large share of the phototube
market because of the photodiode's compactness, sensitivity, and reliability.
avalanche photodiodes, anticoincidence detectors, gamma ray astronomy