Engineering topics

De Geronimo, Gianluigi

Publications and source records attributed to De Geronimo, Gianluigi.

3 records

NASA NTRS2011

A Radiation-Hard Silicon Drift Detector Array for Extraterrestrial Element Mapping

Measurement of x-rays from the surface of objects can tell us about the chemical composition Absorption of radiation causes characteristic fluorescence from material being irradiated. By measuring the spectrum of the radiation and identifying lines in the spectrum, the emitting element (s) can be identified. This technique works for any object that has no absorbing atmosphere and significant surface irradiation : Our Moon, the icy moons of Jupiter, the moons of Mars, the planet Mercury, Asteroids and Comets

Gaskin, Jessica↗

NASA NTRS2009

Development of a Silicon Drift Detector Array: An X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer for Remote Surface Mapping

Over the past three years NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has been collaborating with Brookhaven National Laboratory to develop a modular Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) intended for fine surface mapping of the light elements of the moon. The value of fluorescence spectrometry for surface element mapping is underlined by the fact that the technique has recently been employed by three lunar orbiter missions; Kaguya, Chandrayaan-1, and Chang e. The SDD-XRS instrument we have been developing can operate at a low energy threshold (i.e. is capable of detecting Carbon), comparable energy resolution to Kaguya (<150 eV at 5.9 keV) and an order of magnitude lower power requirement, making much higher sensitivities possible. Furthermore, the intrinsic radiation resistance of the SDD makes it useful even in radiation-harsh environments such as that of Jupiter and its surrounding moons.

Gaskin, Jessica A.↗

NASA NTRS2009

A Large Drift Detector Array Lunar Orbiter Spectrometer

Measurement of-rays from the surface of objects can tell us about the chemical composition. Absorption of radiation causes characteristic fluorescence from material being irradiated. By measuring the spectrum ofthe radiation and identifying lines in the spectrum, the emitting element (s) can be identified.

Gaskin, Jessica A.↗