Compton polarimetry with a multi-layer CdTe focal plane prototype
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Moita, M.
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Maia, J. M.
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Curado da Silva, R. M.
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STEPHEN, JOHN BUCHAN
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Páscoa, M.
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Trindade, A. M. F.
Abstract
In high-energy astrophysics, polarimetry is a promising subject with a wide scientific potential that is relatively unexplored due to the complexity of the design and technical requirements of the sensors. Often gamma-ray telescope proposals are based on multi-layer spectro-imager instruments with polarimetric capabilities. Herein we study a new Compton polarimeter prototype based on a two-layer CdTe pixelized spectro-imager operated in coincidence. The two CdTe detectors are 2 mm thick anode 8 ×8 pixels' segmented matrices with 2 mm pitch. This detection system configuration allows an assessment of the polarimetric potential of multi-layer solution focal planes as well as the polarimetric potential of a possible 3D spectro-imager by analysing the polarimetric performance when varying the distance between the two CdTe detection layers. The polarimetric modulation factors for single-layer (Q ∼0.4) and two-layer (up to 0.13) double-events were measured for 6 mm and for 10 mm distance between planes. The measured polarization angle resolution was lower than 10°. The potential of CdTe spectro-imager focal plane solutions with polarimetric capabilities for the next generation space missions based on both Laue lenses and 3D segmented focal planes is also discussed.
Volume
918
Start page
93
Issn Identifier
0168-9002
Ads BibCode
2019NIMPA.918...93M
Rights
open.access