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S. M. Movit, U. G. Oberlack (Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, Rice U.)
We have developed a new, statistically sound algorithm to reconstruct the interaction sequence of gamma-rays in an advanced Compton telescope. Current instrument concepts aim at accurately measuring the energy deposits and positions of all interactions of an incident MeV gamma-ray within a single detector volume. While this greatly improves detection efficiency, it also makes the direct determination of the sequence of interactions by time-of-flight impractical. Yet, redundant information of positions and energy deposits allows for testing of energy and momentum conservation for any triplet of interactions. We have improved upon previous approaches with the development of a new algorithm that takes into account the probability of a sequence, given instrumental uncertainties, in both an accurate and practical way. We compare our new approach with previous methods, and find much improved performance in terms of reconstruction efficiency and background suppression. We also discuss how this affects the sensitivity of an advanced Compton telescope. This work has been supported in part by the Shell Foundation.
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society,
35#2
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.