A space fiber-optic x-ray burst detector

Conference · Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1994 · IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States)

OSTI ID:6973027

Moss, C E; Casperson, D E; Echave, M A; Edwards, B C; Miller, J R; Saylor, W W; Sweet, M R; Valencia, J E ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)

To warn of attack and assess damage by nuclear detonations (NUDETs), the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) is examining a variety of detectors to be locate on the satellites. The authors describe a novel, lightweight x-ray burst detector that can be embedded in a satellite structure, thus forming a ''smart skin,'' which has minimal impact on the host satellite. The design is based on two types of optical fibers coupled to photodiodes. The first is a scintillating fiber, which gives a fast signal for timing. The second is a germanium-doped silica fiber, which darkens for a few milliseconds when irradiated with a burst of x-rays. The resulting slow signal is used to discriminate against electrostatic discharges. The coincidence of a fast signal from the scintillating fiber with a slow signal from the darkening fiber is the signature of an x-ray burst. The response is linear at low doses and becomes nonlinear at high doses. The authors have two techniques to test the instrument in a space experiment scheduled for 1994. First, a small, space-qualified flash x-ray unit can illuminate the fibers. Second, they can detect space background radiation. The cumulative dose will be monitored by RADFET dosimeters. Future work on embedding the fibers and the electronics as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) in the spacecraft skin could lead to use of these detectors on many satellites.

• OSTI ID: 6973027
• Report Number(s): CONF-931051-; CODEN: IETNAE
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States), Vol. 41:4Pt1; Conference: NSS-MIC '93: nuclear science symposium and medical imaging conference, San Francisco, CA (United States), 30 Oct - 6 Nov 1993; ISSN 0018-9499
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
RADIATION DETECTORS
DESIGN
SATELLITES
X-RAY DETECTION
ALARM SYSTEMS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SPACE FLIGHT
DETECTION
EXPLOSIONS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
RADIATION DETECTION
TESTING
450500* - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Strategic Defense Initiative- (1990-)