Noble Gas Detectors

Constellation is developing a family of high-pressure xenon ionization chambers (HPXe).  Xenon detector technology have several advantages including operation over a wide temperature range, operation in hostile environments, and good energy resolution without cryocooling.  They fill the niche in energy resolution between germanium and scintillation detectors.  The sensitive area of HPXe may cover a few square feet and detect gamma rays with an efficiency close to solid state detectors. Constellation HPXe experimental detectors have been constructed in portable and mobile systems available for testing in the conditions typical of nuclear storage facilities or plants. 

The HPXe-1001 detection system has the detector mounted on a shock-absorbing frame inside a transportable case. The detector is integrated with a charge-sensitive preamplifier (CSPA) and high-voltage power supply (HVPS). A low-voltage power supply is installed in the case. The system requires standard 120V AC power.

The Constellation HPXe-1001 is scheduled to be released as a product in 2004.  Additional information and target specifications can be viewed in the Technology section on the Xenon Detectors page.

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