GABI: a compact detector for GRB prompt emission spectroscopy

Triggering on sky transient events can be efficiently accomplished by coded mask instruments, which can also provide positions with arcmin or sub-arcmin accuracy, but at the expense of weight and power. On the other hand good broadband spectroscopy is possible using much lighter systems, that could also provide a coarse positioning capability (∼ degrees). We present the concept of a compact, light detector based on NaI(Tl) scintillator, that can be used to complement other soft X-ray or IR/optical telescopes in detecting transients and characterizing them. The Gamma-Ray Burst Imager (GABI) will operate in the energy range 8-1000 keV that is optimal for the detection of the prompt emission of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRB). GABI is being proposed for accomodation on board Lobster, a candidate mission of the NASA Explorer Program.