The Solar Two 20-300 GeV Gamma-ray Observatory
J.A. Zweerink, D. Bhattacharya, G. Mohanty, U. Mohideen, R. Rieben,
V. Souchkov, H. Tom, T.O. Tumer
A. Radu
Abstract
The Solar Two Gamma-Ray Observatory is designed to close the energy gap between
20-300 GeV that is inaccessible by current instruments, such as the
satellite-borne EGRET detector and the ground-based Whipple 10 Meter telescope.
Utilizing the facilities of the Solar Two Power Plant in Barstow, CA, the
observatory will detect the Cherenkov light generated as high-energy gamma rays
and charged cosmic-ray particles interact with the atmosphere. With over 2000
heliostats available, Solar Two has the largest heliostat mirror area in the
world and, thus, the potential to be the most sensitive gamma-ray detector at
these energies.
A secondary mirror system capable of imaging 32 heliostats has been built and is
being calibrated, with the first observations expected when the Crab Nebula
becomes observable in October. We report on the design and testing of this
secondary mirror system including the PMT camera, electronics, and heliostat
field.
File translated from TEX by TTH, version 2.32.
On 16 Jul 1999, 09:19.