Characterization of CZT detectors for the ASIM mission

The National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark is responsible for the selection and characterization of the CZT detector crystals for the X and gamma -ray instrument MXGS onboard ESA’s Atmospheric Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM) mission. The Modular X- and Gamma ray Sensor (MXGS) shall, situated on the International Space Station, detect Terrestrial Gamma ray Flashes (TGF) generated in the Earth atmosphere. TGFs are believed to be produced in connection with thunderstorms and ASIM will therefore also be equipped with optical instruments which trigger on lightening.