The Compton and pair creation telescope MEGA

MEGA, short for Medium Energy Gamma-ray Astronomy, is the development of a new technology telescope in the energy band 0.4–50 MeV. The wide energy range of MEGA, which spans nuclear γ-ray lines and energetic continuum spectra, the large field of view, and the capacity for polarimetry enables unique investigations into cosmic nucleosynthesis, particle accelerators around compact objects, and explosive high-energy events. We describe the development and tests of a prototype detector. Results from laboratory tests using radioactive sources and from a beam test calibration are presented and an outlook of a potential space mission is sketched.