X-ray astronomy
Abstract
The use of proportional counters, gas scintillation proportional counters (GSPC), and microchannel plates in X-ray astronomy is discussed. Above 1.5 keV, the collimated gas-filled proportional counter is the traditional workhorse; the eight multiwire detectors of the Medium Energy Experiment scheduled to be flown on the Exosat mission are described. Techniques for determining the position of photoelectric absorption are mentioned. The GSPC avoids electron multiplication; recent and planned uses of these rapidly developing devices are discussed along with relevant methods of position sensing. Measurements into the EUV and XUV bands can be made using imaging optics in conjunction with multichannel plates. Several techniques are mentioned, including charge division readout of crossed wire grids and the resistive disk readout method.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- August 1982
- DOI:
- 10.1038/298798a0
- Bibcode:
- 1982Natur.298..798T
- Keywords:
-
- Proportional Counters;
- X Ray Apparatus;
- X Ray Astronomy;
- Microchannel Plates;
- Position Sensing;
- Scintillation Counters;
- X Ray Spectra;
- X Ray Telescopes;
- Astronomy