Space Astrophysics Detectors and Detector Technologies
Welcome to the Proceedings of the Space Astrophysics Detectors and Detector Technologies Conference held at the STScI, Baltimore, June 26 - 29, 2000.
Purpose
Historically, advances in detectors have played a central role in the development of astrophysics, and there is no reason to believe that this will change in the future. Detectors and the technology related to detectors are critical to most NASA Missions. As we begin to think about the next generation of space missions, on timescales of 5, 10, and 15 years, we wish to explore which detectors can be built to space standards with existing technologies, which technologies can be extended to improve performance and which fundamental technologies require further development to achieve flight readiness.
The NASA Office of Space Science recognizes the need for a close working relationship between observers and the community of instrument builders, scientists, and technologists in developing detectors for space astrophysics. In addition, several areas of current development are applicable across the electromagnetic spectrum and would benefit from cross-disciplinary stimulation.
This meeting was organized to bring together scientists and engineers working in areas from gamma-rays to radio wavelengths to present and discuss the current state-of-the-art in detector technology, to assess needs and opportunities, and to suggest priorities for detector development. The meeting was designed to be of interest to detector developers and technologists as well as to scientists who may be proposing future science missions. The meeting consisted of invited review talks, contributed talks, posters and discussion periods. The reviews covered a range of science topics as well as current and emerging detector technologies and they also included a description of NASA's Origins themes and programs.