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    Instrumentation for very high energy gamma-ray astronomy


    Cawley, Michael F. and Weekes, T.C. (1995) Instrumentation for very high energy gamma-ray astronomy. Experimental Astronomy, 6 (1-2). pp. 7-42. ISSN 0922-6435

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    Abstract

    Considerable progress has been made in the last half-decade in the field of very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray astronomy (photons with energies between 1011 and 1013 eV). The high background level due to the isotropic cosmic ray flux which has bedevilled the field since its inception in the early 1960's can now be reduced to such a degree that significant gamma-ray signals from several sources become visible within a few hours of observation. The instrumentation and methodologies which have made this possible are reviewed. A brief historical introduction is followed by a summary of the salient properties of the atmospheric Cherenkov flash associated with VHE gamma-ray events. The major components of a VHE gamma-ray astronomy telescope are then reviewed. This is followed by a discussion of the different methodologies currently being used to discriminate against the cosmic ray background. Properties of several specific installations are then summarized, and possible future developments in VHE instrumentation are briefly discussed.

    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: Cite this article as: Cawley, M.F. & Weekes, T.C. Exp Astron (1995) 6: 7. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00421124
    Keywords: Gamma-ray Astronomy; Atmospheric Cherenkov Technique ;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Experimental Physics
    Item ID: 9956
    Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00421124
    Depositing User: Dr. Michael Cawley
    Date Deposited: 18 Sep 2018 16:59
    Journal or Publication Title: Experimental Astronomy
    Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers
    Refereed: Yes
    URI:
      Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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