Directional-sensitive X-ray/gamma-ray imager on board the VZLUSAT-2 CubeSat for wide field-of-view observation of GRBs in low earth orbit

0567761 - FZÚ 2023 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Granja, C. - Hudec, R. - Maršíková, V. - Inneman, A. - Pína, L. - Doubravová, D. - Matěj, Z. - Daniel, V. - Oberta, Peter
Directional-sensitive X-ray/gamma-ray imager on board the VZLUSAT-2 CubeSat for wide field-of-view observation of GRBs in low earth orbit.
Universe. Roč. 8, č. 4 (2022), č. článku 241. E-ISSN 2218-1997
Institutional support: RVO:68378271
Keywords : X rays * Gamma rays * radiation imaging * X-ray astronomy * X-ray transients * GRBs * CubeSats * X-ray collimators
OECD category: Optics (including laser optics and quantum optics)
Impact factor: 2.9, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access

We present a miniaturized and wide field-of-view X-ray and Gamma-ray imager consisting of a segmented 2D optics-collimator coupled to the high-sensitivity semiconductor pixel detector Timepix equipped with a high-Z sensor (CdTe 2000 m thick). The compact payload has been deployed in low-Earth orbit (LEO) onboard the 3U Cubesat VZLUSAT-2 which was launched on 13 January 2022. The instrument is designed to verify small spacecraft borne observation in open space of hard X-ray and Gamma-ray sources both of celestial and atmospheric origin. High-resolution spectral-sensitive X-ray and Gamma-ray images are provided with enhanced event discrimination and wide field-of-view up to 60 . Description of the instrument together with response evaluation and tests in ground with well-defined sources are presented. The intended observational plan for in-orbit measurements is outlined along with astrophysical goals and issues.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0339012