Calibration and performance of the energetic X-ray imaging telescope experiment

The final integration and testing of the Energetic X-ray Imaging Telescope Experiment (EXITE) is described. The detector and telescope as finally assembled are described, and problems as well as solutions are detailed. The pre-flight calibration of the position-sensitive Nal detector revealed interesting effects, not anticipated, in the energy spectra. In particular, an effect due to surface roughness (lack of firm optical polishing) on the crystal was found and calibrated. The radial variation of gain and resolution in the detector was also measured, and ''flat fielding'' methods have been derived to analyse the data. The integration of the EXITE detector and gondola systems is described. Several new features were developed for the EXITE gondola - most notably a shock absorber system. The performance of the detector and gondola systems was evaluated