The design and performance of CUBES -- a CubeSat X-ray detector

TL;DR

CUBES is a novel CubeSat X-ray detector utilizing GAGG scintillators and silicon photomultipliers, tested in near-space conditions to validate performance for future satellite missions.

Contribution

This paper presents the design, construction, and performance evaluation of the CUBES detector, including flight results from the Proto-CUBES prototype on a stratospheric balloon.

Findings

Successful detection of X-ray spectra in near-space environment

Observation of 511 keV positron annihilation line

Performance validation of GAGG scintillators and SiPMs in high-altitude conditions

Abstract

CUBES is a X-ray detector payload which will be installed on the KTH 3U CubeSat mission, MIST. The detector comprises cerium-doped Gd3Al2Ga3O12 (GAGG) scintillators read out with silicon photomultipliers through a Citiroc Application-Specific Integrated Circuit. The detector operates in the energy range $\sim$35-800 keV. The aim of the CUBES mission is to provide experience in the operation of these relatively new technologies in a high-inclination low earth orbit, thereby providing confidence for component selection in more complex satellite missions. The design of the CUBES detector is described, and results from performance characterisation tests carried out on a prototype of CUBES, called Proto-CUBES, are reported. Proto-CUBES was flown on a stratospheric balloon platform from Timmins, Canada, in August 2019. During the $\sim$12 hour long flight, the performance of Proto-CUBES was studied in the near-space environment. As well as measuring the X-ray counts spectra at different atmospheric depths, a 511 keV line from positron annihilation was observed.