Use of mercuric iodide X-ray detectors with alpha backscattering spectrometers for space applications
Abstract
The authors present X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectra of different extraterrestrial samples taken with a mercuric iodide (HgI2) spectrometer inserted into an alpha backscattering instrument identical to that used in the Soviet Phobos mission. The results obtained with the HgI2 ambient temperature detector are compared with those obtained using an Si(Li) cryogenically cooled detector. Efforts to design an optimized instrument for space application are also described. The results presented indicate that the energy resolution and sensitivity of HgI2 detectors are adequate to meet the performance needs of a number of proposed space applications, particularly those in which cooled silicon X-ray detectors are impractical or even not usable, such as for the target science programs on geoscience opportunities for lunar surface, Mars surface, and other comet and planetary missions being planned by NASA and ESA.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
- Pub Date:
- April 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1109/23.289359
- Bibcode:
- 1991ITNS...38..574I
- Keywords:
-
- Iodides;
- Mercury Compounds;
- Spacecraft Instruments;
- X Ray Spectra;
- X Ray Spectroscopy;
- Alpha Particles;
- Backscattering;
- Phobos;
- Solid State Devices;
- X Ray Fluorescence;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation