Hard X-ray and Gamma-Ray Detectors

TL;DR

This paper reviews the materials and configurations used in detectors for high-energy photons above 10 keV, focusing on challenges like background noise and detector design choices for space applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of detector technologies and configurations used for high-energy photon detection from 10 keV to over 1 GeV.

Findings

Different detector materials are suited for specific energy ranges.

Detector design choices impact background noise and resolution.

Space-based detectors face unique environmental challenges.

Abstract

The detection of photons above 10 keV through MeV and GeV energies is challenging due to the penetrating nature of the radiation, which can require large detector volumes, resulting in correspondingly high background. In this energy range, most detectors in space are either scintillators or solid-state detectors. The choice of detector technology depends on the energy range of interest, expected levels of signal and background, required energy and spatial resolution, particle environment on orbit, and other factors. This section covers the materials and configurations commonly used from 10 keV to > 1 GeV.