Expected performance of the ASTRI-SST-2M telescope prototype

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the expected performance of the ASTRI-SST-2M prototype Cherenkov telescope, focusing on its energy threshold, sensitivity, and angular resolution through detailed Monte Carlo simulations.

Contribution

It presents the first detailed performance estimates of the innovative Schwarzschild-Couder ASTRI-SST-2M telescope prototype for gamma-ray astronomy.

Findings

Estimated energy threshold for gamma-ray detection

Predicted sensitivity levels for the telescope

Angular resolution capabilities of the prototype

Abstract

ASTRI (Astrofisica con Specchi a Tecnologia Replicante Italiana) is an Italian flagship project pursued by INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica) strictly linked to the development of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, CTA. Primary goal of the ASTRI program is the design and production of an end-to-end prototype of a Small Size Telescope for the CTA sub-array devoted to the highest gamma-ray energy region. The prototype, named ASTRI SST-2M, will be tested on field in Italy during 2014. This telescope will be the first Cherenkov telescope adopting the double reflection layout in a Schwarzschild-Couder configuration with a tessellated primary mirror and a monolithic secondary mirror. The collected light will be focused on a compact and light-weight camera based on silicon photo-multipliers covering a 9.6 deg full field of view. Detailed Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to estimate the performance of the planned telescope. The results regarding its energy threshold, sensitivity and angular resolution are shown and discussed.