Space Scintillator-Detector Distinguishing between Protons and Electrons

A space scintillator detector has been designed and tested which meets the following requirements: 1) detection and separation of protons with energy greater than 1.5 mev and electrons with energy greater than 50 kev; 2) power consumption of less than 350 milliwats; and 3) weight less than 5 pounds. The basic detector consists of a stilbene scintillator on an RCA 6199 photomultiplier (or the C7151C ruggedized model). The electron-proton separation is accomplished through a circuit which makes use of the different light decay times caused by electrons and protons in the scintillator. The entire package including the amplifiers, scalers, and high voltage supply occupies a space 5 inches in diameter by 10 inches long. The unit has been tested for thermal stability and vibrational shock. A second detector, not restricted to the above power and weight requirements, is being developed to obtain pulse height information as well.