Abstract
We have discussed the possiblity of employing an array of high-energy γ-ray detectors in space platform in order to achieve higher sensitivity than by using a single detector. It is shown that such a detector system can be utilized for the study of faint galactic and extragalactic sources, and for deep survey of complex regions. The array can also be operated in the γ-ray burst mode to detect bursts. The energy spectrum of bursts can be obtained over a wide range from 0.1 MeV to 50 GeV, and their direction determined accurately. Further, the array can be used for the study of cosmic-ray electrons above 1013 eV, for which there is no other technique exists today to detect them. Detection of ultra-high energy electrons would open up a new dimension in the understanding of cosmic-ray propagation in the solar neighbourhood and of the local distribution of cosmic-ray sources.
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Stephens, S.A. Gamma-ray astronomy and the study of electrons >1013 eV and bursts using an array of γ-ray detectors in space platform. Astrophys Space Sci 112, 145–155 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00668416
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00668416