Temporal resolution of X-ray detector for pulsar navigation

Li Zhi Sheng, Bao Sheng Zhao, Hui Jun Hu, Peng Wang, Qiu Rong Yan, Bao Mei Chen, Yong An Liu, Xiao Ping Ouyang, Ding Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pulsar navigation is a promising new technique for space exploration because of its autonomous and deep space capability. Since the baseline of pulsar navigation approach is to observe the X rays (0.2∼20keV) emitted from pulsars, a compact high temporal resolution X-ray detector is needed. In this paper an micro-channel plate(MCP) photon counting detector sensitive to X-rays is proposed. The detection system consists of a CsI photocathode, a 50mm diameter micro-channel plate (MCP) stack, a collection anode, a preamplifier, a constant fraction discriminator(CFD) and data acquisition(DAQ). The incident X-rays photons are absorbed by CsI and converted to photoelectrons, the electrons are multiplied by MCP and collected by the anode. Anode output signal is a fast pulse which need to be amplified by preamplifier and then fed to CFD circuit and DAQ for a precise timing. The total temporal resolution(ΔT) of the entire detection system could be determined by ΔtD, the intrinsic temporal resolution of cathode-MCP-anode, and ΔtE the resolution of electronic system including preamplifier and CFD. The resolution of the detection system is tested to be 18.4ns in experiment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Symposium on Photoelectronic Detection and Imaging 2011
Subtitle of host publicationSpace Exploration Technologies and Applications
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Symposium on Photoelectronic Detection and Imaging 2011: Space Exploration Technologies and Applications - Beijing, China
Duration: 24 May 201126 May 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8196
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceInternational Symposium on Photoelectronic Detection and Imaging 2011: Space Exploration Technologies and Applications
Country/TerritoryChina
CityBeijing
Period24/05/1126/05/11

Keywords

  • Pulsar navigation
  • Temporal resolution
  • X-ray detector

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