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The design and performance of GRD onboard the GECAM satellite

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Abstract

Background

Each GECAM satellite payload contains 25 gamma-ray detectors (GRDs), which can detect gamma-rays and particles and can roughly localize the Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). GRD was designed using lanthanum bromide (LaBr3) crystal as the sensitive material with the rear end coupled with silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array for readout.

Purpose

In aerospace engineering design of GRD, there are many key points to be studied. In this paper, we present the specific design scheme of GRD, the assembly and the performance test results of detectors.

Methods

Based on Monte Carlo simulation and experimental test results, the specific schematic design and assembling process of GRD were optimized. After being fully assembled, the GRDs were conducted performance tests by using radioactive source and also conducted random vibration tests.

Result and conclusion

The test results show that all satellite-borne GRDs have energy resolution <16% at 59.5 keV, meeting requirements of satellite in scientific performance. The random vibration test shows that GRD can maintain in a stable performance, which meets the requirement of spatial application.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Researcher Zhang Chunsheng, and thank Beijing Glass Research Institute for production and supplying of sealed LaBr3 crystals for GRD detectors; thank Shandong Aerospace Electronic Technology Research Institute for assistance in engineering, integrated test and experiment, etc., of detectors; and thank Northwest Rare Metal Materials Research Institute for assistance in supplying beryllium window. This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant No. 11775251, the strategic leading science and technology program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA 15360100, XDA 15360102).

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Correspondence to Z. H. An or X. Q. Li.

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An, Z.H., Sun, X.L., Zhang, D.L. et al. The design and performance of GRD onboard the GECAM satellite. Radiat Detect Technol Methods 6, 43–52 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41605-021-00289-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41605-021-00289-y

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