The energy response of LaBr_(3)(Ce),LaBr_(3)(Ce,Sr),and NaI(Tl)crystals for GECAM

The GECAM series of satellites utilizes LaBr_(3)(Ce),LaBr_(3)(Ce,Sr),and NaI(Tl)crystals as sensitive materials for gamma-ray detectors(GRDs).To investigate the nonlinearity in the detection of low-energy gamma rays and address the errors in the calibration of the E-C relationship,comprehensive tests and comparative studies of the three aforementioned crystals were conducted using Compton electrons,radioactive sources,and mono-energetic X-rays.The nonlinearity test results of the Compton electrons and X-rays demonstrated substantial differences,with all three crystals presenting a higher nonlinearity for X/-rays than for Compton electrons.Despite the LaBr_(3)(Ce)and LaBr_(3)(Ce,Sr)crystals having higher absolute light yields,they exhibited a noticeable nonlinear decrease in the light yield,especially at energies below 400 keV.The NaI(Tl)crystal demonstrated an"excess"light output in the 6-200 keV range,reaching a maximum"excess"of 9.2%at 30 keV in the X-ray testing and up to 15.5%at 14 keV during Compton electron testing,indicating a significant advantage in the detection of low-energy gamma rays.Furthermore,we explored the underlying causes of the observed nonlinearity in these crystals.This study not only elucidates the detector responses of GECAM,but also initiates a comprehensive investigation of the nonlinearity of domestically produced lanthanum bromide and sodium iodide crystals.