We are developing a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer for the purpose of studying solar flare gamma-ray line emission in the ~0.5-10 MeV range. We are employing a cutting edge CeBr3 scintillator which has high photoelectric effect cross sections in the MeV range read out by silicon photomultipliers. We will use the high-heritage readout electronics built for the BurstCube mission updated for CeBr3 signals. The primary effort will be to update the readout electronics and signal processing to be suitable for the CeBr3 signals.

This effort is in support of a future mission concept for which our group is supplying an MeV solar gamma-ray spectrometer. The use of CeBr3 crystals will significantly increase the energy resolution of the detector and provide novel insight into MeV gamma-ray line emission in solar flares. We have also partnered with researchers in astrophysics and planetary science as the development of this technology would be useful for the study of MeV gamma-rays in a variety of astrophysical contexts.