High-energy radiation detector and method of detection

A high-energy radiation detector is described comprising: means for detecting a predetermined type of high-energy radiation and transforming the detected radiation into light, the means for detecting having a first and second end; means for generating an electric signal based upon the amount of light directed thereon and for outputting the signal; an optical window means optically coupled to the first end of the detecting means for channeling the light therefrom into the generating means, the optical window being composed of material having a predetermined amount of heavy metal therein; a collimator made of heavy metal disposed at the second end of the detecting means, the collimator having an open end to admit the high energy radiation onto the second end of the detecting means; means for shielding composed of heavy metal and being exclusively limited to and covering the detecting means other than the first and second ends of the detecting means and limited to and covering portions of the optical window, and the weight of the radiation detector being minimized due to the limited extent of the shielding means; and means for supporting the detecting means, the generating means, the optical window, the collimator and the shielding means; wherein the means for detecting is shielded from high-energy radiation on all sides by the optical window and the means for shielding except for the second end adjacent the collimator and the means for supporting does not shield high-energy radiation from components internal thereto