Germanium 70: a gamma ray detector for astrophysics

A thorough study concerning the background noise generated from the germanium detectors used in astrophysics spatial experiences, is presented. These detectors, selected for their energy high definition, are sensitive to cosmic radiations that activate some isotopes contained in the natural germanium and induce background noise through a beta+ decay. This noise component may be notably reduced with utilization of 70Ge isotope enriched detectors, which do not present such interactions. The predictions have been verified through space tests conducted from Australia in 1992. Preliminary results and prospectives for astrophysics application of the Germanium 70 isotope, are discussed. 6 figs., 2 tabs., 3 refs