Optimized scintillation configuration for IMPISH hard x-ray detection

TL;DR

This paper presents a systematic optimization of scintillation detector design for IMPISH, a solar hard X-ray spectrometer, enhancing photon collection, reducing noise, and improving energy resolution through experimental and simulation studies.

Contribution

It introduces an optimized scintillation configuration for IMPISH, detailing the effects of crystal shape, surface finish, reflector type, and optical coupling on detector performance.

Findings

Optimal energy resolution achieved with LYSO trapezoid crystal and SiPM.

Light collection improves with increased crystal area and symmetry breaking.

Design recommendations for maximizing photon collection and resolution.

Abstract

The Integrating Miniature Piggyback for Impulsive Solar Hard X-rays (IMPISH) is a solar X-ray spectrometer that features large-area scintillators, fast readout electronics, and good energy resolution in the hard X-ray band. IMPISH is a low-cost spectrometer designed to measure subsecond variation in hard X-ray time profiles from solar flares, with the goal of constraining particle acceleration timescales. To meet these requirements, we carried out a systematic optimization of the scintillation design, focusing on maximizing photon collection, reducing noise level, and improving energy resolution. We tested two high-yield scintillating crystals (LYSO, lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate, and GAGG, gadolinium aluminum gallium garnet), two reflector types (specular and lambertian), two kinds of surface finishes (all sides polished and readout face only polished), different optical coupling materials and thicknesses, multiple geometries, and readout face angles. Our studies show that light collection improves with increasing the crystal's effective area, breaking its symmetry, and reducing the photon's travel length. These minimize photon loss due to self-absorption and total internal reflection. Through combined simulation and laboratory tests, we achieved an optimal energy resolution with the LYSO trapezoid-shaped crystal coupled to a Broadcom NUV-MT SiPM with an approximately 0.25 mm thin Sylgard 184 optical pad.