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X-Ray Polarimetry Workshop SLAC, Stanford, California 9-11 February 2004 |
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GRAPE - A Balloon-Borne Gamma-Ray Polarimeter
Mark
McConnell
University of New Hampshire
mark.mcconnell@unh.edu
M.L. McConnell, J. Macri, M. Orr, J.M. Ryan
The Gamma Ray Polarimeter Experiment (GRAPE), designed to measure the polarization of photons between 50 and 300 keV, is a Compton scatter polarimeter based on the use of an array of plastic scintillator scattering elements in conjunction with a centrally positioned high-Z calorimeter detector. A modular approach permits the fabrication of large-area arrays, either in imaging or non-imaging configurations. The non-imaging configuration lends itself especially well to studies of transient phenomena, such as gamma-ray bursts and solar flares. An array of GRAPE modules could be used as the basis for a dedicated science mission, either on a long duration balloon or on an orbital mission. We have recently been testing a new prototype design that offers significant improvements in terms of compactness, packing efficiency, detector readout and energy resolution. Here we shall review the latest results from our prototype development program, outline the plans for future development, and present a conceptual design for a GRAPE balloon payload.
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For more information, contact
Jennifer Formichelli |
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