RAAD: LIGHT-1 CubeSat's payload for the detection of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes

A. Di Giovanni, F. Arneodo, A. Al Qasim, H. Alblooshi, F. AlKhouri, L. Alkindi, A. AlMannei, N. Almarri, M. Benabderrahmane, G. Bruno, V. Conicella, O. Fawwaz, G. Franchi, S. Kalos, P. Oikonomou, L. Perillo, C. Pittori, M. Roberts, R. Torres

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The Rapid Acquisition Atmospheric Detector (RAAD), onboard the LIGHT-1 3U CubeSat, detects photons between hard X-rays and soft gamma-rays, in order to identify and characterize Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes (TGFs). Three detector configurations are tested, making use of Cerium Bromide and Lanthanum BromoChloride scintillating crystals coupled to photomultiplier tubes or Multi-Pixel Photon Counters, in order to identify the optimal combination for TGF detection. High timing resolution, a short trigger window, and the short decay time of its electronics allow RAAD to perform accurate measurements of prompt, transient events. Here, we describe the overview of the detection concept, the development of the front-end acquisition electronics, as well as the ground testing and simulation that the payload underwent prior to its launch on December 21st, 2021. We further present an analysis of the detector's in-orbit system behavior and some preliminary results.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberP10024
JournalJournal of Instrumentation
Volume18
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2023

Keywords

  • Gamma detectors (scintillators, CZT, HPGe, HgI etc)
  • On-board space electronics
  • Particle detectors
  • Space instrumentation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Instrumentation
  • Mathematical Physics

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