MeVCube: a CubeSat for MeV astronomy

Abstract

Despite the impressive progresses achieved both by X-ray and gamma-ray observatories in the last decades, the energy range between ∼ 200 keV and ∼ 50 MeV remains poorly explored. COMPTEL, on-board CGRO (1991CGRO ( -2000, was the last telescope to accomplish a complete survey of the MeVsky with a relatively modest sensitivity. Missions like AMEGO have been proposed for the future, in order to fill this gap in observation; however, the time-scale for development and launch is about 10 years. On a shorter time-scale, a different approach may be profitable: MeV observations can be performed by a Compton telescope flying on a CubeSat.MeVCube is a 6U CubeSat concept currently under investigation at DESY, that could cover the energy range between hundreds of keV up to few MeVs with a sensitivity comparable to that of missions like COMPTEL and INTEGRAL. The Compton camera is based on pixelated Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CdZnTe) semiconductor detectors, coupled with low-power read-out electronics (ASIC, VATA450.3), ensuring a high detection efficiency and excellent energy resolution. In this work I will show measurements of the performance of a custom design CdZnTe detector and extrapolations of the expected telescope performance based on these measurements as well as simulations.

Introducing the MeVCube concept: a CubeSat for MeV observations

“…The proposed concept can provide a technology demonstrator, increasing the readiness level of hardware to be potentially implemented in future missions, while still providing its own scientific impact. A first evaluation of this concept has been presented in [31]. However, there sensitivities were estimated based on projections for the performance achievable with CdZnTe detectors.…”

Characterization of a CdZnTe detector for a low-power CubeSat application

“…9. In this work we characterize the performance of a pixelated CdZnTe detector custom designed for application on a Compton telescope, named MeVCube [10]. The scientific payload is based on the CubeSat standard, a class of nanosatellites with precise restrictions and limitations in size and form factor [11].…”