Context. One of the possible approaches to detecting optical counterparts of GRBs requires monitoring large parts of the sky. This idea has gained some instrumental support in recent years, such as ...with the “Pi of the Sky” project. The broad sky coverage of the “Pi of the Sky” apparatus results from using cameras with wide-angle lenses (20° × 20° field of view). Optics of this kind introduce significant deformations of the point spread function (PSF), increasing with the distance from the frame centre. A deformed PSF results in additional uncertainties in data analysis. Aims. Our aim was to create a model describing highly deformed PSF in optical astronomy, allowing uncertainties caused by image deformations to be reduced. Methods. Detailed laboratory measurements of PSF, pixel sensitivity, and pixel response functions were performed. These data were used to create an effective high quality polynomial model of the PSF. Finally, tuning the model and tests in applications to the real sky data were performed. Results. We have developed a PSF model that accurately describes even very deformed stars in our wide-field experiment. The model is suitable for use in any other experiment with similar image deformation, with a simple tuning of its parameters. Applying this model to astrometric procedures results in a significant improvement over standard methods, while basic photometry precision performed with the model is comparable to the results of an optimised aperture algorithm. Additionally, the model was used to search for a weak signal – namely a possible gamma ray burst optical precursor – showing very promising results. Conclusions. Precise modelling of the PSF function significantly improves the astrometric precision and enhances the discovery potential of a wide-field system with lens optics.
An apparatus to search for optical flashes in the sky is described. It has been optimized for optical counterparts of gamma ray bursts (GRB). It consists of 2×16 cameras covering all the sky. The sky ...is monitored continuously and the data are analyzed on-line. The apparatus has self-triggering capability and can react to external triggers with negative delay. The prototype with two cameras has been installed at Las Campanas (Chile) and is operational from July 2004. The paper presents the general idea of the experiment and describes the apparatus in detail. The performance of the prototype is briefly reviewed and perspectives for the future are outlined.
Hadron Outer (HO) scintillators located around the CMS coil are sensitive to muons. They can be used in coincidence with RPC chambers for the Muon Trigger. This paper contains a brief description of ...the two systems and the proposal of how they can be integrated. Backgrounds, efficiencies, and trigger rates have been calculated. The conclusion is that rate reduction factors as high as 100 can be obtained for
∼
90
%
efficiency.
Pi of the Sky is a system of wide field-of-view robotic telescopes which search for short timescale astrophysical phenomena, especially for prompt optical GRB emission. The system is designed for ...autonomous operation, follows the predefined observing strategy and adopts it to the actual conditions. We describe the current status of telescopes located in Chile and Spain and prospects for future development.
Issue Title: The Multi-Messenger Approach to High-Energy Gamma-Ray Sources: Third Workshop on the Nature of Unidentified High-Energy Sources Experiment "Pi of the Sky" is designed to search for ...prompt optical emission from GRB sources. 32 CCD cameras covering 2 steradians will monitor the sky continuously. The data will be analysed on-line in search for optical flashes. The prototype with 2 cameras operated at Las Campanas (Chile) since 2004 has recognised several outbursts of flaring stars and has given limits for a few GRB. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT
The resistive plate chambers (RPCs) muon trigger electronics of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector performs a number of tasks: synchronization of detector signals, optical data transmission ...from the detector to the trigger electronics, pattern recognition, muons momentum measurement, selection of track candidates. For the diagnostic purposes, as well as for the calibration and real-time monitoring of the RPC detectors and electronic hardware, a set of flexible diagnostic modules was designed and implemented into the field programmable gate arrays on which the trigger electronics is based. These include: multichannel counters, timing histograms, test pulses generators, diagnostic readout and data spying ("snap-shots" of the data stream). Test results presented in this paper, including tests with Large Hadron Collider-like muon beam, illustrate the performance and the usefulness of these diagnostic modules
We propose to perform a continuously scanning all-sky survey from 200 keV to 80 MeV achieving a sensitivity which is better by a factor of 40 or more compared to the previous missions in this energy ...range (COMPTEL, INTEGRAL; see Fig.
1
). These gamma-ray observations will be complemented by observations in the soft X-ray and (near-)infrared region with the corresponding telescopes placed on a separate satellite. The Gamma-Ray Imaging, Polarimetry and Spectroscopy (“
GRIPS
”) mission with its three instruments Gamma-Ray Monitor (GRM), X-Ray Monitor (XRM) and InfraRed Telescope (IRT) addresses fundamental questions in ESA’s Cosmic Vision plan. Among the major themes of the strategic plan, GRIPS has its focus on the evolving, violent Universe, exploring a unique energy window. We propose to investigate
γ
-ray bursts and blazars, the mechanisms behind supernova explosions, nucleosynthesis and spallation, the enigmatic origin of positrons in our Galaxy, and the nature of radiation processes and particle acceleration in extreme cosmic sources including pulsars and magnetars. The natural energy scale for these non-thermal processes is of the order of MeV. Although they can be partially and indirectly studied using other methods, only the proposed GRIPS measurements will provide direct access to their primary photons. GRIPS will be a driver for the study of transient sources in the era of neutrino and gravitational wave observatories such as IceCUBE and LISA, establishing a new type of diagnostics in relativistic and nuclear astrophysics. This will support extrapolations to investigate star formation, galaxy evolution, and black hole formation at high redshifts.
It is possible that violent processes resulting in Gamma Ray Bursts produce also high energy photons and cosmic rays. The possible correlations of very short GRB with, e.g., CMB, cosmic rays is ...briefly discussed. We have also begun preparation of the experiment correlating in real time data from Maze cosmic ray detector and Pi of the Sky robotic telescope.
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