First optical validation of a Schwarzschild Couder telescope: the ASTRI SST-2M Cherenkov telescope

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Giro, E. ; Canestrari, R. ; Sironi, G. ; Antolini, E. ; Conconi, P. ; Fermino, C. E. ; Gargano, C. ; Rodeghiero, G. ; Russo, F. ; Scuderi, S. ; Tosti, G. ; Vassiliev, V. ; Pareschi, G.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS; v. 608, p. 6-pg., 2017-12-11.

Resumo

Context. The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) represents the most advanced facility designed for Cherenkov Astronomy. ASTRI SST-2M has been developed as a demonstrator for the Small Size Telescope in the context of the upcoming CTA. Its main innovation consists in the optical layout which implements the Schwarzschild-Couder configuration and is fully validated for the first time. The ASTRI SST-2M optical system represents the first qualified example of a two-mirror telescope for Cherenkov Astronomy. This configuration permits us to (i) maintain high optical quality across a large field of view; (ii) demagnify the plate scale; and (iii) exploit new technological solutions for focal plane sensors. Aims. The goal of the paper is to present the optical qualification of the ASTRI SST-2M telescope. The qualification has been obtained measuring the point spread function (PSF) sizes generated in the focal plane at various distances from the optical axis. These values have been compared with the performances expected by design. Methods. After an introduction on Gamma-ray Astronomy from the ground, the optical design of ASTRI SST-2M and how it has been implemented is discussed. Moreover, the description of the set-up used to qualify the telescope over the full field of view is shown. Results. We report the results of the first-light optical qualification. The required specification of a flat PSF of similar to 10 arcmin in a large field of view (similar to 10 degrees) has been demonstrated. These results validate the design specifications, opening a new scenario for Cherenkov Gamma-ray Astronomy and, in particular, for the detection of high-energy (5-300 TeV) gamma rays and wide-field observations with CTA. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 13/10559-5 - Investigação de fenômenos de altas energias e plasmas astrofísicos: teoria, simulações numéricas, observações e desenvolvimento de instrumentação para o Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA)
• Beneficiário: Elisabete Maria de Gouveia Dal Pino
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Projetos Especiais