Timing performances of NectarCAM, a Medium Sized Telescope Camera for the Cherenkov Telescope Array

TL;DR

NectarCAM, a Cherenkov camera for CTA's Medium-Sized Telescopes, has been tested for timing precision, crucial for noise reduction, image cleaning, and gamma-ray detection in stereoscopic observations.

Contribution

This paper presents the design, integration, and timing performance testing of NectarCAM, a novel camera system for CTA's Medium-Sized Telescopes, highlighting its timing capabilities.

Findings

Timing precision and accuracy established in laboratory tests

Effective trigger timing relative to laser sources demonstrated

Timing of individual and multiple pixel signals characterized

Abstract

NectarCAM is a Cherenkov camera that will be installed on Medium-Sized Telescopes of the northern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO). It is composed of 265 modules, each of which includes 7 photo-multiplier tubes, a Front-End Board and a camera trigger system for data collection. The first NectarCAM unit is currently being integrated at CEA Paris-Saclay in France. Once installed at the CTAO's northern site, the NectarCAM's timing abilities will be crucial for reducing noise in images, improving image cleaning, and distinguishing between gamma-ray photons and cosmic-ray background. Additionally, it will enable coincidence identification with neighboring telescopes for stereoscopic observations. The timing system of NectarCAM has been tested in a dark room with various light sources. The results of the tests, including timing precision and accuracy of the trigger arrival relative to a laser source, and the timing of individual and multiple pixel signals, will be presented.