Instrumentation for a next-generation x-ray all-sky monitor
- Code 662, Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 (United States)
We have proposed an x-ray all-sky monitor for a small satellite mission that will be ten times more sensitive than past monitors and that opens up a new band of the soft x-ray spectrum (0.1-3.0 keV) for study. We discuss three approaches to the construction of the optics. The first method, well within the reach of existing technology, is to approximate the lobster-eye geometry by building crossed arrays of planar reflectors, this gives great control over the reflecting surface but is limited in terms of resolution at the baseline 4 arc minute level. The second method is to use microchannel plates; this technology has the potential to greatly exceed the baseline resolution and sensitivity but is yet to be fully demonstrated. The third method, while still in its infancy, may yet prove to be the most powerful; this approach relies on photolithography to expose a substrate that can then be developed and replicated. The scientific case for this mission is almost too broad to state here. The instrument we describe will allow investigation of the long term light curves of thousands of AGN, it will detect thousands of transients, including GRBs and type II supernova, and the stellar coronae of hundreds of the brightest x-ray stars can be monitored. In addition the classical objectives of all-sky monitors--long-term all-sky archive and watchdog alert to new events--will be fulfilled at an unprecedented level. We also note that by opening up a little-explored band of the x-ray sky the opportunity for new discovery is presented. A satisfying example of entering new territory while still retaining the guarantee of expanding the domain of existing research.
- OSTI ID:
- 21210399
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 499, Issue 1; Conference: Workshop on small missions for energetic astrophysics: Ultraviolet through gamma-ray, Los Alamos, NM (United States), 22-26 Feb 1999; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1302229; (c) 1999 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
COSMIC GAMMA BURSTS
COSMIC PHOTONS
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
GAMMA ASTRONOMY
KEV RANGE
MICROCHANNEL ELECTRON MULTIPLIERS
RESOLUTION
SATELLITES
SENSITIVITY
SI MICROSTRIP DETECTORS
SOFT X RADIATION
STELLAR CORONAE
SUPERNOVAE
X-RAY DETECTION
X-RAY SPECTRA