Heidelberg 2022 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

T: Fachverband Teilchenphysik

T 51: Experimental Techniques in Astroparticle Physics 2

T 51.8: Group Report

Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 18:00–18:20, T-H36

Intensity interferometry campaign at the H.E.S.S. telescopes — •Naomi Vogel, Andreas Zmija, Gisela Anton, Stefan Funk, Dmitry Malyshev, Thilo Michel, Frederik Wohlleben, and Adrian Zink — Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, ECAP

Intensity interferometry (II) enables high angular resolution (~milliarcsecond) astronomical observations in the optical band by measuring the photon fluxes of at least two telescopes with varying baselines and correlating them. It has already been applied by VERITAS and MAGIC with excellent results. Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes are suitable for performing intensity correlations because of their very large collecting areas. We are planning an upcoming II campaign at the H.E.S.S. telescopes in Namibia. Our developed II setup, which includes a 2nm interference filter, is designed to fit on the lid of the telescopes and to handle the high photon count rates expected from the stars. This is achieved by photomultipliers whose photo currents are measured and then correlated. As preparation for our campaign lab measurements were carried out to achieve low background and good signal-to-noise ratios. In this contribution we will present our technical setup and results from our lab measurements as precursor for II at the H.E.S.S. telescopes.