Cherenkov imaging camera for the gamma-ray astrophysics experiment CAT

To search for very high energy gamma rays from cosmic point sources, an imaging telescope sensitive to the Cherenkov light emitted by relativistic charged particles in atmospheric showers will soon be operational at the Themis site (eastern Pyrenees, France). Placed in the focal plane of a large mirror, the camera consists of a fine matrix of 600 photomultipliers equipped with Winston collecting cones. Fast trigger logic based on a majority coincidence was specially developed with special electronic components. The charge is integrated over a very short time, reducing noise contamination in the signal readout.