Using tritium and x-ray tubes as x-ray calibration sources for the AXAF CCD Imaging Spectrometer

Stephen E. Jones; Mark W. Bautz; Steven E. Kissel; Michael Pivovaroff

doi:10.1117/12.255991

31 October 1996 Using tritium and x-ray tubes as x-ray calibration sources for the AXAF CCD Imaging Spectrometer

Stephen E. Jones, Mark W. Bautz, Steven E. Kissel, Michael Pivovaroff

Proceedings Volume 2808, EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for Astronomy VII; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.255991
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

Accurate quantum efficiency calibrations for CCDs require stable sources of known x-ray energies. Radioactive sources are the most stable although some stable commercial x-ray tubes are available. However, sealed, stable x-ray tubes include windows which filter low energy x-rays to which our CCDs are sensitive. Therefore we have developed a windowless radioactive source using the beta spectrum from tritium to fluoresce low-energy x-rays from low Z targets. The potential drawback of tritium outgassing is also investigated. This source is coupled with an additional system based on a stable commercial x-ray tube to produce higher energy x-rays. Together these sources form a system for comparative quantum efficiency measurements with two CCDs mounted on translation stages. We report on the physics and development of these x-ray sources.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen E. Jones, Mark W. Bautz, Steven E. Kissel, and Michael Pivovaroff "Using tritium and x-ray tubes as x-ray calibration sources for the AXAF CCD Imaging Spectrometer", Proc. SPIE 2808, EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for Astronomy VII, (31 October 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.255991

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