Author/Authors :
M. and Chantell، نويسنده , , M.C. and Bhattacharya، نويسنده , , D. and Covault، نويسنده , , C.E. and Dragovan، نويسنده , , M. and Fernholz، نويسنده , , R. and Gregorich، نويسنده , , D.T. and Hanna، نويسنده , , D.S. and Marion، نويسنده , , G.H. and Ong، نويسنده , , R.A. and Oser، نويسنده , , S. T. Tümer، نويسنده , , T.O. and Williams، نويسنده , , D.A.، نويسنده ,
Abstract :
There are currently no experiments, either satellite or ground based, that are sensitive to astrophysical γ-rays in the energy range between 20 and 250 GeV. We are developing the Solar Tower Atmospheric Cherenkov Effect Experiment (STACEE) to explore this energy range. STACEE will use heliostat mirrors at a solar research facility to collect Cherenkov light in extensive air showers produced by high-energy γ-rays. Here we report on the results of on-site test work at the solar facility. We demonstrate that the facility is suitable for use as an astrophysical observatory, and using a prototype of STACEE consisting of a subset of the mirrors to be used for the whole array, we detect atmospheric Cherenkov radiation at energies lower than any other experiment to date. Based upon these results we are confident that the eventual STACEE instrument will be capable of exploring the γ-ray sky between 50 and 500 GeV with good sensitivity.
