COMPUTER-SIMULATION OF AN ARRAY OF GE DETECTORS FOR GAMMA-RAY IMAGING

A new generation of instrumentation combining high energy and angular resolutions is required for gamma-ray line astronomy. The development of arrays of small germanium detectors provides the opportunity to use a Ge array as a position sensitive detector which, when coupled with a coded mask, may provide an answer to this necessity. We present an e xtensive Monte-Carlo simulation study of the influence of the array de sign on the efficiencies and the feasibility for its use as a position sensitive detector. We also discuss the possibility of using the intr insic advantages of this type of array detector for the rejection of t he beta decay induced background. Finally, as an example, the performa nce of a complete gamma-ray image: array, veto shield and surronding m aterials is presented. These results confirm the great promise of this kind of detector for future gamma ray missions.