Soft X-Ray Detection System for the CATSAT Small Satellite

We present an innovative approach to detecting low energy x-ray emissions from cosmic gamma ray bursts. Our design employs an array of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) to measure x-rays from 500 eV to 10 keV over a wide field of view, approximately 2π steradians. These silicon devices are ideal in many ways for small satellite use. This effort is driven by the scientific requirements of the CATSAT mission. Our objective is to meet the mission requirements within the time scale and cost constraints of the STEDI program. CATSAT is a joint effort between the University of New Hampshire, Weber State University and Leicester University in England.