An analog modulated simulation source for X-ray pulsar-based navigation

In this paper a high resolution X-ray simulation source is proposed and designed to verify the navigation based on X-ray pulsar in the simulation experience system. The simulation source consists of an arbitrary signal generator and a grid controlled X-ray tube. According to the grid tube's characteristic curve, the data of the pulsar standard pulse template are converted. Then using the method of direct digital frequency synthesis, the converted data are synthesized to waveforms, called the analog modulated grid voltage. In the grid controlled X-ray tube, the grid voltage changes the number of electrons hitting on the target and controls the X-ray intensity. With an analog modulated pulse profile applied on the tube grid electrode, the tube will emit X-rays which will match photons' statistical distribution and simulate the X-ray pulsar profile extremely well. The properties of Crab pulsar simulation source are tested in X-ray pulsar navigation simulation experience system. The results of the test are as follows: Comparing the tested pulse profile with the standard pulsar profile, we have time correlation coefficient is 0.9774, and frequency correlation coefficient is 0.9853. The X-ray photon flux is 1.90 ph·cm-2·s-1, the pulsed fraction is 76.15%, and the half-width half maximum is 1.879 ms. These results show that the X-ray simulation source has several merits, such as: strong ability to simulate the X-ray, low cost and simple operation. So it is an important means for the improvement of X-ray pulsar navigation.