The proportional counter array (PCA) instrument for the X-ray timing explorer satellite (XTE)

A large area array of xenon gas filled proportional counters has been developed as the main instrument of the X-ray Timing Explorer (XTE) satellite. The array is composed of 5 independent detectors, each operating in the energy range 2-60 keV. Each detector provides event information timed to 1 microsecond, and a spectral resolution of /spl sim/18% FWHM at 6 keV. This paper will describe the overall design of the detectors and the associated electronics system, their performance, and calibration results.<
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