Objective Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy in the Very High Energy (VHE, E>100 GeV) regime has fast become one of the most interesting and productive sub-fields of astrophysics today. Utilizing the Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Technique (IACT) to reconstruct the energy and direction of incoming gamma-ray photons from the universe, several source-classes have been uncovered by previous and current generations of IACT telescopes (e.g. Whipple, MAGIC, HESS, VERITAS).The next generation IACT experiment, the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) will provide increased sensitivity across a wider energy range and with better angular resolution. However, research into new and improved technology for potential upgrades of the CTA system are already being considered. Improving the light-collection efficiency (hence reducing the energy threshold) and field-of-view of CTA cameras is high on the agenda of future upgrades. One may also consider increasing the number of telescopes if the cost of the cameras could be significantly reduced. The primary path to these goals is to replace PhotoMultipliers (PMTs) with Silicon-PMs (SiPM). These new photodetectors will also find multi-disciplinary use in e.g. in fluorescence telescopes for detection of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays and PET scanners in medical physics.However SiPMs are not yet mature enough to replace PMTs for several reasons: sensitivity to unwanted longer wavelengths while lacking sensitivity at short wavelengths, small physical area, high cost and electronic noise. Here we propose a novel method to build relatively low-cost SiPM-based pixels utilizing wavelength-shifting material which overcome some of these drawbacks by collecting light over a larger area than standard SiPMs and improving sensitivity to shorter wavelengths while reducing background. We aim to optimize the design of such pixels, integrating them in an actual 7-pixel cluster which will be inserted into a MAGIC camera and tested during real observations. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomygamma-ray astronomy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator INSTITUTO DE FISICA DE ALTAS ENERGIAS Net EU contribution € 158 121,60 Address CAMPUS DE BELLATERRA - UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA 08193 Cerdanyola Del Valles Spain See on map Region Este Cataluña Barcelona Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 158 121,60
