In-orbit performance of AstroSat CZTI

TL;DR

This paper reports on the initial in-orbit performance and verification results of AstroSat's CZTI instrument, highlighting its capabilities in hard X-ray imaging and spectroscopy in space.

Contribution

It provides the first in-orbit performance assessment of CZTI, demonstrating its operational status and scientific potential on AstroSat.

Findings

CZTI was successfully activated and operated in orbit.

Preliminary results confirm expected imaging and spectral performance.

The instrument is suitable for celestial X-ray observations in space.

Abstract

Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Imager (CZTI) is one of the five payloads on-board recently launched Indian astronomy satellite AstroSat. CZTI is primarily designed for simultaneous hard X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of celestial X-ray sources. It employs the technique of coded mask imaging for measuring spectra in the energy range of 20 - 150 keV. It was the first scientific payload of AstroSat to be switched on after one week of the launch and was made operational during the subsequent week. Here we present preliminary results from the performance verification phase observations and discuss the in-orbit performance of CZTI.