Some key issues of X/gamma-ray detection in space

Abstract

Space as a frontier of scientific exploration and discovery, basic and extreme environment engineering research laboratory has its own unique advantages. In the study of space science exploration, whether it is a natural physical phenomenon research, or outside resources, disaster and security application, X/gamma-ray detection has become an indispensable necessity. There are many unsolved mysteries of science of nature, its exploration and research are closely related to X/gamma-ray radiation detection, key scientific issues are: supernovae, black hole formation, Lunar and planetary evolution and the origin of the universe, dark matter and dark energy; and outer space resources available; national security and space research, and so on. In addition, the space X/gamma-ray radiation detection research and application is different from the ground-based observation, as launches and space environment requirements, space radiation detection instruments not only have good performance, but also should have a high and reliable quality. Therefore, there are some of key technical problems to be overcome. This paper consists of three main parts. In the first part, described as an integrated lab space has in the radiation field, high vacuum, microgravity, comprehensive and wide field of view, and other features, the peaceful use of space will bring enormous benefits for human development and wide space, and given in table development status in worldwide, it describes several big space nations to solve the scientific fundamental problems and key technical challenges, made a series of research strategy or projects, and gradually promote the implementation. Highlight five trends that are targeted to explore unknown space science and to develop deep space: the first is exploring the unknown space science, developing deep space exploration; the second is challenging human innovation, which is the development of advanced space technology and detection technology; the third is based on advanced intelligent robots for leading development of manned space; the fourth is to target the near-Earth orbit exploration, made innovation in methods and ways to use outside resources; the fifth point is looking for potential business opportunities. In the second section, highlights the fundamental scientific problems in the space X/gamma-ray detection, including cosmic gamma-ray bursts, black holes, neutron stars and Supernova remnants, such as dark matter and dark energy. Meanwhile, also pointed to the space environment, planetary evolution, space electromagnetic hazards, multidisciplinary issues such as ex-territorial resources available. In order to achieve some of the fundamental science goals designed, key technologies and processes in space experiments need to be addressed. In the third part, the space X/gamma ray radiation detection key technical challenges are described. Different science targets relay on different experiment requirements, needs of key technology are different. General speaking, physical parameters of a space radiation detection experiment include charge particles discrimination, energy detection, and flux, azimuth, angle, time, position detection as well. Usually, space radiation detection instrument has high sensitivity, and large effective area, and more pixel; low noise, and high speed of read out electronics, and mass data processing transmission; precision pointing and distance sensing and perception, and in-orbit calibration, extreme environment survival function; reliable software implementation, channel number also often from several ten of channels to around million. Technical problems to be solved are following: (1) high performance detectors (high sensitivity, pixels or micro-strip type); (2) low-noise, low-powerdissi- pation, multichannel, lightweight, multi-purpose ASICs; (3) high quality components, including devices; (4) test and alignment, special nuclear materials processing technologies; (5) calibration equipments and instruments. Future prospects of space radiation physics research and application are very broad and promising. In comparison with the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan and other space technology power nations than started late in China, less investment, weak industrial base, is relatively backward, especially, X/gamma-ray detection and application of relatively weak basis, should pay more attention to, and increase investment and support efforts to make China a scientific power in space exploration.