The INAF ASTRI Project in the framework of CTA

TL;DR

The INAF ASTRI project develops a prototype small-size Cherenkov telescope with innovative dual-mirror and Silicon photo-multiplier technology to explore 1-100 TeV gamma-ray energies, aiming to enhance CTA capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel telescope design with dual-mirror Schwarzschild-Couder optics and a compact Silicon photo-multiplier camera for the CTA array.

Findings

Prototype design described and expected performance evaluated

Potential for a mini array at CTA Southern Site analyzed

First implementation of dual-mirror and SiPM technology in Cherenkov telescopes

Abstract

The ASTRI project aims to develop, in the framework of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, an end-to-end prototype of the small-size telescope, devoted to the investigation of the energy range ~ 1-100 TeV. The proposed design is characterized by two challenging but innovative technological solutions which will be adopted for the first time on a Cherenkov telescope: a dual-mirror Schwarzschild-Couder configuration and a modular, light and compact camera based on Silicon photo-multipliers. Here we describe the prototype design, the expected performance and the possibility to realize a mini array composed by a few such telescopes, which shall be placed at the final CTA Southern Site.