Cherenkov Telescope Array—CTA

Ulisses Barres De Almeida,Elisabete M De Gouveia Dal Pino

doi:10.1007/s13538-013-0167-5

Abstract

Gamma-ray astronomy has a huge potential in astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology. Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is an international initiative to build the next-generation ground-based gamma-ray observatory which will have a factor of 5–10 improvement in sensitivity in the 100-GeV–10-TeV range and an extension to energies well below 100 GeV and above 100 TeV. CTA will consist of two arrays (one in the Northern and another in the Southern Hemisphere) for full sky coverage and will be operated as an open observatory. It will provide a deep insight into the non-thermal high-energy Universe. In this talk, we will briefly present the major design concepts of CTA as well as its vast science case.

Highlights

Gamma-ray astronomy has a huge potential in astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology
CHERENKOV TELESCOPE ARRAY (CTA) will consist of two arrays of Cherenkov telescopes, which aim to: (a) increase sensitivity by one order of magnitude with respect to current installations; (b) boost significantly the detection area and detection rates; (c) increase the angular resolution and the ability to resolve the morphology of extended sources; (d) provide uniform energy coverage for photons from some tens of GeV to beyond 100 TeV; and (e) enhance the sky survey and monitoring capability and flexibility of operation
Brazil is an official member of CTA since the Spring 2010, and the South American continent is a potential site to host the array

Summary

Introduction

Gamma-ray astronomy has a huge potential in astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology. CTA is an international initiative to build the generation ground-based gamma-ray observatory.

Results

Conclusion