On the possiblity of using vertically pointing Central Laser Facilities to calibrate the Cherenkov Telescope Array

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of using vertically pointing Central Laser Facilities for fast, multi-wavelength calibration of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, aiming for high relative and absolute calibration precision.

Contribution

It proposes a design concept for a laser-based calibration system tailored for the Cherenkov Telescope Array, detailing expected precision levels and monitoring capabilities.

Findings

Relative calibration precision better than 5%

Absolute calibration precision of 4-11%

Enhanced long-term sensitivity monitoring

Abstract

A Central Laser Facility is a system composed of a laser placed at a certain distance from a light-detector array, emitting fast light pulses, typically in the vertical direction, with the aim to calibrate that array. During calibration runs, all detectors are pointed towards the same portion of the laser beam at a given altitude. Central Laser Facilities are used for various currently operating ultra-high-energy cosmic ray and imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope arrays. In view of the future Cherenkov Telescope Array, a similar device could provide a fast calibration of the whole installation at different wavelengths. The relative precision (i.e. each individual telescope with respect to the rest of the array is expected) to be better than 5%, while an absolute calibration should reach a precisions of 4-11%, if certain design requirements are met. Additionally, a preciser monitoring of the sensitivity of each telescope can be made on time-scales of days to years.