Large aperture and wide field of view space telescope for the detection of ultra high energy cosmic rays and neutrinos

Year: 2017

Authors: Mazzinghi P., Bratina V., Gambicorti L., Simonetti F., Zuccaro Marchi A.

Autors Affiliation: National Institute of Applied Optics (INOA-CNR), Largo E. Fermi, 6, Firenze, 50125, Italy; Dept. of Astronomy and Space Science, Florence University, Largo E. Fermi, 2, Firenze, 50125, Italy

Abstract: New technologies are proposed for large aperture and wide Field of View (FOV) space telescopes dedicated to detection of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays and Neutrinos flux, through observation of fluorescence traces in atmosphere and diffused Cerenkov signals. The presented advanced detection system is a spaceborne LEO telescope, with better performance than ground-based observatories, detecting up to 103 – 104 events/year. Different design approaches are implemented, all with very large FOV and focal surface detectors with sufficient segmentation and time resolution to allow precise reconstructions of the arrival direction. In particular, two Schmidt cameras are suggested as an appropriate solution to match most of the optical and technical requirements: large FOV, low f/#, reduction of stray light, optionally flat focal surface, already proven low-cost construction technologies. Finally, a preliminary proposal of a wideFOV retrofocus catadioptric telescope is explained.

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KeyWords: Cameras; Cosmology; Elementary particles; Fluorescence; Particle detectors; Space telescopes; Stray light, Advanced detections; Focal surfaces; Ground based observatories; Low-cost construction; Schmidt; Technical requirement; Ultra high-energy cosmic rays; Wide field of view, Cosmic rays
DOI: 10.1117/12.2308097