The Swift X-ray Telescope
David N. Burrows, J. E. Hill, J. A. Nousek, J. A. Kennea, A. Wells, J., P. Osborne, A. F. Abbey, A. Beardmore, K Mukerjee, A. D. T. Short, G., Chincarini, S. Campana, O. Citterio, A. Moretti, C. Pagani, G. Tagliaferri,, P. Giommi, M. Capalbi, F. Tamburelli, L. Angelini

TL;DR
The Swift X-ray Telescope is a rapid-response instrument designed to quickly locate and observe Gamma-Ray Burst afterglows in X-ray wavelengths, providing precise positions, spectra, and lightcurves to advance GRB science.
Contribution
This paper introduces the design and capabilities of the Swift XRT, enabling prompt, automated X-ray observations of GRBs with high sensitivity and spectral measurement capabilities.
Findings
Rapid localization within 100 seconds of burst
Automated source detection within 5 seconds
Spectral and lightcurve measurements over days/weeks
Abstract
The Swift Gamma-Ray Explorer is designed to make prompt multiwavelength observations of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) and GRB afterglows. The X-ray Telescope (XRT) enables Swift to determine GRB positions with a few arcseconds accuracy within 100 seconds of the burst onset. The XRT utilizes a mirror set built for JET-X and an XMM/EPIC MOS CCD detector to provide a sensitive broad-band (0.2-10 keV) X-ray imager with effective area of > 120 cm^2 at 1.5 keV, field of view of 23.6 x 23.6 arcminutes, and angular resolution of 18 arcseconds (HPD). The detection sensitivity is 2x10^-14 erg cm^-2 s^-1 in 10^4 seconds. The instrument is designed to provide automated source detection and position reporting within 5 seconds of target acquisition. It can also measure the redshifts of GRBs with Fe line emission or other spectral features. The XRT operates in an auto-exposure mode, adjusting the CCD…
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Taxonomy
TopicsAstronomical Observations and Instrumentation · Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae · Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
