Novel high-resolution PeV gamma-ray telescope

John E. F. Baruch; N. J. McEwan; R. I. Davis

doi:10.1117/12.161381

19 October 1993 Novel high-resolution PeV gamma-ray telescope

John E. F. Baruch, N. J. McEwan, R. I. Davis

Proceedings Volume 1948, Astroparticle Physics and Novel Gamma-Ray Telescopes; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.161381
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Most high energy Cosmic Rays are charged but a few are gamma rays generated by extremely energetic processes which are not understood. Precise directions for the gamma rays will indicate their sources. The most energetic gamma rays produce Extensive Air Showers (EAS) in the atmosphere. From the earliest days of radar there have been attempts to use radio techniques to measure the energy of Cosmic Ray air showers. None have used radio techniques to measure the direction of Cosmic Ray induced Extensive Air Showers. This paper examines the different mechanisms by which radio waves of a wide range of frequencies are reflected from both the relativistic shower front of the EAS and the temporary column of ionization left behind. It is shown that under certain conditions there is a relatively strong reflected signal. It is estimated that a few percent of the high energy (PeV 10¹⁵ eV) cosmic ray flux reaching the earth are gamma rays. The current angular resolution of Cosmic Ray detectors is little better than one degree. This paper considers the possibility of scattering radio waves from the ionization produced by an EAS to provide, in conjunction with a ground based EAS gamma ray telescope, a new form of high energy gamma ray telescope. It will provide precise direction coordinates for the primary cosmic ray particle significantly better than the best current methods for single events. Precision direction coordinates should reveal gamma sources against the general background of charged cosmic ray events. A design is proposed for a novel high resolution, high energy gamma ray telescope.

Citation Download Citation

John E. F. Baruch, N. J. McEwan, and R. I. Davis "Novel high-resolution PeV gamma-ray telescope", Proc. SPIE 1948, Astroparticle Physics and Novel Gamma-Ray Telescopes, (19 October 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.161381

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
7 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Gamma radiation

Telescopes

Ionization

Optical instrument design

Particles

Radar

Scattering

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years