Performance of the Gas Pixel Detector: an x-ray imaging polarimeter for upcoming missions of astrophysics

Fabio Muleri; Paolo Soffitta; Luca Baldini; Ronaldo Bellazzini; Alessandro Brez; Enrico Costa; Niccolò Di Lalla; Ettore Del Monte; Yuri Evangelista; Luca Latronico; Alberto Manfreda; Massimo Minuti; Melissa Pesce-Rollins; Michele Pinchera; Alda Rubini; Carmelo Sgrò; Francesca Spada; Gloria Spandre

doi:10.1117/12.2233206

18 July 2016 Performance of the Gas Pixel Detector: an x-ray imaging polarimeter for upcoming missions of astrophysics

Fabio Muleri, Paolo Soffitta, Luca Baldini, Ronaldo Bellazzini, Alessandro Brez, Enrico Costa, Niccolò Di Lalla, Ettore Del Monte, Yuri Evangelista, Luca Latronico, Alberto Manfreda, Massimo Minuti, Melissa Pesce-Rollins, Michele Pinchera, Alda Rubini, Carmelo Sgrò, Francesca Spada, Gloria Spandre

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9905, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2016: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray; 99054G (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2233206
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

X-ray polarimetry is a hot topic and, as a matter of fact, a number of missions dedicated to the measurement of the polarization in the ∼2-8 keV energy range with photoelectric devices are under advanced study by space agencies. The Gas Pixel Detector (GPD), developed and continuously improved in Italy by Pisa INFN in collaboration with INAF-IAPS, is the only instrument able to perform imaging polarimetry; moreover, it can measure photon energy and time of arrival. In this paper, we report on the performance of a GPD prototype assembled with flight-like materials and procedures. The remarkably uniform operation over a long period of time assures a straightforward operation in orbit and support the high readiness level claimed for this instrument.

Citation Download Citation

Fabio Muleri, Paolo Soffitta, Luca Baldini, Ronaldo Bellazzini, Alessandro Brez, Enrico Costa, Niccolò Di Lalla, Ettore Del Monte, Yuri Evangelista, Luca Latronico, Alberto Manfreda, Massimo Minuti, Melissa Pesce-Rollins, Michele Pinchera, Alda Rubini, Carmelo Sgrò, Francesca Spada, and Gloria Spandre "Performance of the Gas Pixel Detector: an x-ray imaging polarimeter for upcoming missions of astrophysics", Proc. SPIE 9905, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2016: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 99054G (18 July 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2233206

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available