In-orbit background for X-ray detectors

TL;DR

This paper discusses the sources of in-orbit background noise in space-based X-ray detectors, their effects on different detector types, and strategies for simulation and mitigation to improve observational accuracy.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of background sources, effects, and mitigation strategies specific to space-borne X-ray detectors, integrating recent simulation approaches.

Findings

Identification of primary background sources

Impact assessment on detector performance

Overview of mitigation techniques

Abstract

In-orbit background is an unavoidable feature of all space-borne X-ray detectors, and arises both from cosmic sources (diffuse or point-like) and from the interaction of the detectors themselves with the space environment (primary or secondary cosmic rays, geomagnetically trapped particles, activation of spacecraft structures). In this chapter the main background sources are discussed, with their principal effects on the various detector types, and simulation and mitigation strategies are described.