A Proposal for a Fast Infrared Bursts Detector

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel detection system for fast infrared bursts using ground-based telescopes, leveraging accelerator diagnostics techniques, with feasibility tests demonstrating potential for 1 ns temporal resolution in the mid-infrared range.

Contribution

It introduces a new detection instrument for astronomical FIRBs based on accelerator diagnostic technology, tested at SINBAD for feasibility in the mid-IR range.

Findings

Feasibility of detecting 1 ns infrared signals demonstrated

Infrared synchrotron light with 2.7 ns separation used for testing

Instrument shows potential for advancing time-domain astronomy in mid-IR

Abstract

The gravitational wave GW170817 from a binary neutron star merger and the simultaneous electromagnetic detection of the GRB170817A by Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope, opened a new era in the multi-messenger astronomy. Furthermore, the GRBs (Gamma-Ray Bursts) and the mysterious FRBs (Fast Radio Bursts) have sparked interest in the development of new detectors and telescopes dedicated to the time-domain astronomy across the electromagnetic spectrum. Time-domain astronomy aims to acquire fast astronomical bursts in temporal range between a few seconds down to 1 ns. Fast InfraRed Bursts (FIRBs) have been relatively understudied, often due to the lack of appropriate tools for observation and analysis. In this scientific scenario, the present contribution proposes a new detection system for ground-based reflecting telescopes working in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) range to search for astronomical FIRBs. Experience developed in the diagnostics for lepton circular accelerators can be used to design temporal devices for astronomy. Longitudinal diagnostic instruments acquire bunch-by-bunch particle shifts in the direction of flight, that is equivalent to temporal. Transverse device integrates the beam signal in the horizontal and vertical coordinates, as standard telescopes. The proposed instrument aims to work in temporal mode. Feasibility study tests have been carried out at SINBAD, infrared beam line of DAFNE, the $e^+e^-$ collider of INFN. SINBAD releases pulsed infrared synchrotron light with 2.7 ns separation. The frontend detector system has been evaluated to detect temporal fast infrared signals with 2-12 micron wavelengths and 1 ns rise times. The present contribute aims to be a step toward a feasibility study report.