The track imaging Cherenkov experiment

Authors :: Wissel, S.A.
Byrum, K.
Cunningham, J.D.
Drake, G.
Hays, E.
Horan, D.
Kieda, D.
Kovacs, E.
Magill, S.
Nodulman, L.
Swordy, S.P.
Wagner, R.
Wakely, S.P.
Source :: Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A. Dec2011, Vol. 659 Issue 1, p175-181. 7p.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Abstract: We describe a dedicated cosmic-ray telescope that explores a new method for detecting Cherenkov radiation from high-energy primary cosmic rays and the large particle air shower they induce upon entering the atmosphere. Using a camera comprising 16 multi-anode photomultiplier tubes for a total of 256 pixels, the Track Imaging Cherenkov Experiment (TrICE) resolves substructures in particle air showers with 0.086° resolution. Cherenkov radiation is imaged using a novel two-part optical system in which a Fresnel lens provides a wide-field optical trigger and a mirror system collects delayed light with four times the magnification. TrICE records well-resolved cosmic-ray air showers at rates ranging between 0.01Hz and 0.1Hz. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]