Abstract
The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer (GEMS) will realize its scientific objectives through high sensitivity linear X-ray polarization measurements in the 2-10 keV band. The GEMS X-ray polarimeters, based on the photoelectric effect, provide a strong polarization response with high quantum efficiency over a broad band-pass by a novel implementation of the time projection chamber (TPC). This paper will discuss the basic principles of the TPC polarimeter and describe the details of the mechanical and electrical design of the GEMS flight polarimeter. We will present performance measurements from two GEMS engineering test units in response to polarized and unpolarized X-rays and before and after thermal and vibration tests performed to demonstrate that the design is at a technology readiness level 6 (TRL-6).
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012 |
Subtitle of host publication | Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray - Amsterdam, Netherlands Duration: Jul 1 2012 → Jul 6 2012 |
Publication series
Name | Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering |
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Volume | 8443 |
ISSN (Print) | 0277-786X |
Other
Other | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray |
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Country/Territory | Netherlands |
City | Amsterdam |
Period | 7/1/12 → 7/6/12 |
Keywords
- Di-methyl Ether
- GEM
- Gas Electron Multiplier
- Gravity and Extreme Magnetism SMEX
- Time-projection Chamber Polarimeter
- X-ray Polarization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Computer Science Applications
- Applied Mathematics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering