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Abstract:
In August of 1983 the Gamma-Ray Advanced Detector (GRAD) Project was assigned to the AFP-675 Program for flight on a future Space Shuttle mission. In order to adapt the experiment to the requirements of AFP-675 we are making a number of changes, both in hardware and software. However, the necessity for such changes is more than affected by an expansion in scope of the experiment made possible by the introduction of a Payload Specialist into the operation. The principal changes to be made are in the avionics, as GRAD was originally designed for operation through ground-based telemetry. This complete redesigning of our avionics to accomodate operation by a Payload Specialist from the aft flight deck of the Orbiter allows us to take advantage of very recent findings on radiation-induced microprocessor failure in other space shuttle experiments in order to make the GRAD avionics less vulnerable to such latch-ups. Advances in bismuth germanate (BGO) scintillator technology during the year since construction of the prototype GRAD now make it possible for us to construct a BGO shield with a closed-ended geometry. This improvement will enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition we are experimenting with a new type of decay-vetoed calibration probe using an alpha-rather than a beta-emitting radioactive source. Keywords include: Gamma-ray detectors, Bismuth germanate, Germanium detectors, Gamma-ray astronomy.
| Description: |
Semi-annual technical rept. 1 Jul-31 Dec 83 |
| Pages: |
21 |
| Report Date: |
28 FEB 84 |
| Contract Number: |
F49620-83-C-0131, ARPA Order-4 |
| Report Number: |
A613051 |
Report Unavailable |
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