Modelling the Effects of Solar Flares on Integral
C.L.Perfect, F.Lei, C.Ferguson, A.J.Bird, J.J.Lockley, A.J.Dean
Abstract
INTEGRAL (International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory), due to be
launched in October 2001, is dedicated to fine imaging and high
resolution spectroscopy at gamma-ray energies. Solar flares emit
large numbers of energetic charged particles which affect
the instruments on board Integral. The INTEGRAL Mass Model (TIMM) has
been used to study the effects both during solar flare activity
and afterwards. An emphasis has been placed upon the radioactivity
induced within the spacecraft and the instruments. The evolution of
background spectra and counting rates for each of the instruments
(SPI, IBIS and JEMX) are presented. These are analysed to build up
an understanding of how quickly the background noise returns to its
original level. A sensitivity analysis will determine how quickly the
instruments recover.
File translated from TEX by TTH, version 2.32.
On 16 Jul 1999, 09:18.