Lifetime estimation of a time projection chamber x-ray polarimeter

Joanne E. Hill; J. Kevin Black; Lubos Brieda; Patsy L. Dickens; Kristina Montt de Garcia; Douglas L. Hawk; Asami Hayato; Keith Jahoda; Jelila Mohammed

doi:10.1117/12.2024724

26 September 2013 Lifetime estimation of a time projection chamber x-ray polarimeter

Joanne E. Hill, J. Kevin Black, Lubos Brieda, Patsy L. Dickens, Kristina Montt de Garcia, Douglas L. Hawk, Asami Hayato, Keith Jahoda, Jelila Mohammed

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8859, UV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Space Instrumentation for Astronomy XVIII; 88590O (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024724
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer (GEMS) X-ray polarimeter Instrument (XPI) was designed to measure the polarization of 23 sources over the course of its 9 month mission. The XPI design consists of two telescopes each with a polarimeter assembly at the focus of a grazing incidence mirror. To make sensitive polarization measurements the GEMS Polarimeter Assembly (PA) employed a gas detection system based on a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) technique. Gas detectors are inherently at risk of degraded performance arising from contamination from outgassing of internal detector components or due to loss of gas. This paper describes the design and the materials used to build a prototype of the flight polarimeter with the required GEMS lifetime. We report the results from outgassing measurements of the polarimeter subassemblies and assemblies, enclosure seal tests, life tests, and performance tests that demonstrate that the GEMS lifetime is achievable. Finally we report performance measurements and the lifetime enhancement from the use of a getter.

Citation Download Citation

Joanne E. Hill, J. Kevin Black, Lubos Brieda, Patsy L. Dickens, Kristina Montt de Garcia, Douglas L. Hawk, Asami Hayato, Keith Jahoda, and Jelila Mohammed "Lifetime estimation of a time projection chamber x-ray polarimeter", Proc. SPIE 8859, UV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Space Instrumentation for Astronomy XVIII, 88590O (26 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024724

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