Orbits and background of gamma-ray space instruments

TL;DR

This paper reviews the various orbital options for gamma-ray space instruments, analyzing their background noise sources and the impact on detector sensitivity, with insights into balloon-based experiments.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of orbit types and background components affecting gamma-ray detectors, including stratospheric balloon experiments.

Findings

Different orbit types have unique background noise characteristics.

Stratospheric balloons offer alternative platforms with distinct advantages.

Background components vary significantly across orbits and altitudes.

Abstract

Gamma-ray telescopes in space are bombarded by large fluxes of charged particles, photons and secondary neutrons. These particles and radiation pose a threat to the nominal operation of satellites and limit the detection sensitivity of gamma-ray instruments. The background noise generated in gamma-ray space detectors by impinging particles is always much higher than the astrophysical signal to be detected. In this chapter, we present the different types of orbits suitable for gamma-ray missions, discussing their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the value of experiments embarked in stratospheric balloons. We then review the physical properties of all the background components in the different orbits and the stratosphere.