Simulating Charge Deposition by Cosmic Rays Inside Astronomical Imaging Detectors

Abstract

In the context of space astronomy missions, accurate and fast modeling of spurious images generated by solar and galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) in imaging detectors is critical in order to assess and mitigate their detrimental effects. Currently, it is only possible to accurately reproduce the CR images including energy loss straggling, with the use of complex Monte Carlo particle transport codes. However, these codes are difficult to use and cannot be easily included in instrument simulation pipelines. Presented here is CosmiX, a novel, open-source, and Python-based CR model, overcoming the above-mentioned limitations, yet still capable of accurately reproducing the CR images, paving the way for semianalytical Monte Carlo modeling of the CR tracks. These are demonstrated by using CosmiX to reproduce irradiation test data of a PLATO charge-coupled device (CCD) and in-orbit CR data of Gaia CCD detectors.