1. FACT - The first G-APD Cherenkov telescope (first results)
- Author
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T. Bretz, D. Dorner, M. Backes, A. Biland, J. Buß, V. Commichau, L. Djambazov, D. Eisenacher, O. Grimm, H. von Gunten, D. Hildebrand, T. Krähenbühl, W. Lustermann, E. Lyard, K. Mannheim, D. Neise, A.-K. Overkemping, A. Paravac, F. Pauss, W. Rhode, M. Ribordy, U. Röser, J.-P. Stucki, F. Temme, J. Thaele, S. Tobler, P. Vogler, R. Walter, Q. Weitzel, M. Zänglein, Aharonian, Fa, Hofmann, W, and Rieger, Fm
- Subjects
Photomultiplier ,Physics::Instrumentation and Detectors ,Astrophysics::High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena ,FACT ,IACT ,7. Clean energy ,01 natural sciences ,law.invention ,Telescope ,Optics ,law ,0103 physical sciences ,010303 astronomy & astrophysics ,Cherenkov radiation ,Physics ,010308 nuclear & particles physics ,business.industry ,Astrophysics::Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics ,MPPC ,Biasing ,G-APD ,Gamma-ray astronomy ,Avalanche photodiode ,Optoelectronics ,business ,Sensitivity (electronics) - Abstract
In October 2011, the first air-Cherenkov telescope utilizing Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes commenced operations. The silicon-based devices display several advantages compared to classical photomultiplier tubes allowing for a more compact camera design of higher reliability, lower power consumption and bias voltage, and better prospects for improving the photon detection efficiency. Here, the first physics results are presented from a few months of data taking. Although still preliminary, the results already show a superb fidelity of the data, demonstrating the potential of avalanche photodiodes for ground-based gamma ray astronomy. The stability and high sensitivity are ideal for remote monitoring observations of variable gamma-ray sources.
- Published
- 2012