AMEGO: exploring the extreme multimessenger universe

Carolyn A. Kierans

doi:10.1117/12.2562352

13 December 2020 AMEGO: exploring the extreme multimessenger universe

Carolyn A. Kierans

Proceedings Volume 11444, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2020: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray; 1144431 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2562352
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2020, Online Only

Abstract

The All-sky Medium Energy Gamma-ray Observatory (AMEGO) is a Probe-class mission concept that will provide essential contributions to multimessenger astrophysics in the next decade. AMEGO operates both as a Compton and pair telescope to achieve unprecedented sensitivity between 200 keV and >5 GeV. The instrument consists of four subsystems. A double-sided strip silicon Tracker gives a precise measure of the first Compton scatter interaction and tracks of pair-conversion products. A novel CdZnTe Low Energy Calorimeter with excellent position and energy resolution surrounds the bottom and sides of the Tracker to detect the Compton-scattered photons which enhances the polarization and narrow-line sensitivity. A thick CsI High Energy Calorimeter contains the high-energy Compton and pair events. The instrument is surrounded by a plastic anti-coincidence detector to veto the cosmic-ray background. We have performed detailed simulations to predict the telescope performance and are currently building a prototype instrument. The AMEGO prototype, known as ComPair, will be tested at the High Intensity Gamma-Ray Source in 2021, followed by a balloon flight in Fall of 2022. In this presentation we will give an overview of the science motivation, a description of the observatory, and an update of the prototype instrument development.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Carolyn A. Kierans "AMEGO: exploring the extreme multimessenger universe", Proc. SPIE 11444, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2020: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 1144431 (13 December 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2562352

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