Improving the sensitivity of the next-generation gamma-ray observatory CTA with higher collection efficiency of atmospheric Cherenkov photons

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25707017
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Particle/Nuclear/Cosmic ray/Astro physics
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Okumura Akira 名古屋大学, 宇宙地球環境研究所, 講師 (90645011)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: ガンマ線 / 宇宙線 / チェレンコフ望遠鏡アレイ / CTA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have developed a prototype hexagonal light concentrator for the Large-Sized Telescopes of the Cherenkov Telescope Array. To maximize the photodetection efficiency of the focal-plane camera pixels for atmospheric Cherenkov photons and to lower the energy threshold, a specular film with a very high reflectance of 92-99% has been developed to cover the inner surfaces of the light concentrators. The prototype has a relative anode sensitivity (which can be roughly regarded as collection efficiency) of about 95 to 105% at the most important angles of incidence.

Free Research Field

宇宙線物理学