Hard X-Ray Spectrometer for Use During Radiation Tests and High Gain/Bandwidth Integrated Photodetec

We propose to develop a differential absorption spectrometer that is small enough to be compatible with a test package in a bremsstrahlung test of electronics. In contrast to previous spectrometers, which use individual filter-detector combinations, the present instrument consists of concentric hemispherical shells. This design minimizes the spectrometer's mass, allowing it to be placed in front of or near a test package. There it measures the x-ray spectrum from a single location on or near the package. Time resolution will be achieved by use of all-optical dose rate diagnostics already under development for a complementary project. In Phase I we will design, build and evaluate a prototype. Upon satisfactory completion of Phase I, we will build and test an instrument with up to 18 channels in Phase II. We aslo propose to investigate the integration of modern solid-state photodetectrors (avalanche, p-i-n, Schottky) with wide-band amplification techniques in a single package optimized for high gain, wide bandwidth, linearity and dynamic range. A prototype integrated device will be produced in Phase II.