In-orbit background for X-ray detectors

Abstract

In-orbit background is an unavoidable feature of all space-borne X-ray detectors, and arises both from cosmic sources (diffuse or point-like) and from the interaction of the detectors themselves with the space environment (primary or secondary cosmic rays, geomagnetically trapped particles, activation of spacecraft structures). In this chapter the main background sources are discussed, with their principal effects on the various detector types, and simulation and mitigation strategies are described.