The HAWC TeV gamma-ray Observatory

Sinnis, G. (2011) The HAWC TeV gamma-ray Observatory. Il nuovo cimento C, 34 (3). pp. 65-70. ISSN 1826-9885

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Abstract

Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has historically implemented two dramatically different techniques. One method employs Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope(s) (IACT) that detect the Cherenkov light generated in the atmosphere by extensive air showers. The other method employs particle detectors that directly detect the particles that reach ground level—known as Extensive Air Shower (EAS) arrays. Until recently, the IACT method had been the only technique to yield solid detections of TeV gamma-ray sources. Utilizing water Cherenkov technology, Milagro, was the first EAS array to discover new gamma-ray sources and demonstrated the power of and need for an all-sky high duty-cycle instrument in the TeV energy regime. The transient nature of many TeV sources, the enormous number of potential sources, and the existence of TeV sources that encompass large angular areas all point to the need for an all-sky, high duty-factor instrument with even greater sensitivity than Milagro. The High AltitudeWater Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory will be over an order of magnitude more sensitive than Milagro. In this paper we will discuss the design and sensitivity of HAWC.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: γ-ray ; γ-ray sources; γ-ray bursts ; X- and γ-ray telescopes and instrumentation ; Neutrino, muon, pion, and other elementary particles; cosmic rays
Subjects: 500 Scienze naturali e Matematica > 530 Fisica
Depositing User: Marina Spanti
Date Deposited: 06 Apr 2020 16:18
Last Modified: 06 Apr 2020 16:18
URI: http://eprints.bice.rm.cnr.it/id/eprint/17224

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