Speaker
Description
The DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is a spaceborne high-energy particle detector launched on December 17, 2015, as part of an international collaboration led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. DAMPE is designed to investigate cosmic-ray electrons and γ-rays with unprecedented energy resolution and sensitivity. By operating in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 km, DAMPE provides continuous observations of the high-energy sky, significantly contributing to our understanding of astrophysical and fundamental physics phenomena.
DAMPE observes the γ-ray sky over a broad energy range, from approximately 2 GeV to 10 TeV, with a maximum acceptance of 1800 cm² sr. The payload consists of a sophisticated set of detectors, including a plastic scintillator detector (PSD), a silicon-tungsten tracker (STK), a BGO calorimeter, and a neutron detector, which together enable precise measurement of incoming particles' energy, trajectory, and identity. These capabilities allow DAMPE to explore a variety of astrophysical sources and processes with high precision.
Over its nine years of operation, DAMPE has completed approximately 18 full-sky surveys, collecting an extensive dataset that has deepened our understanding of high-energy cosmic phenomena. In particular, the continuous accumulation of observational data has led to a refined calibration of the Instrumental Response Functions (IRF), enhancing the accuracy of measurements and enabling more precise scientific analyses. The in-flight calibration, made possible by a comprehensive understanding of the payload, has led to significant improvements in DAMPE’s ability to detect and analyze γ-ray sources.
The scientific impact of DAMPE extends across multiple research areas. One major focus is the search for narrow γ-ray line emissions, which could provide indirect evidence for dark matter annihilation or decay. Additionally, DAMPE has contributed to studies of diffuse γ-ray emissions, shedding light on cosmic-ray interactions with the interstellar medium. The instrument has also played a crucial role in the analysis of point sources, such as active galactic nuclei (AGN) and pulsars, providing valuable insights into their emission mechanisms. Furthermore, DAMPE contributes to transient source monitoring, detecting and characterizing sudden high-energy events, such as γ-ray bursts and flaring AGNs.
In this talk, we present the latest results from DAMPE, highlighting its contributions to high-energy astrophysics and fundamental physics. These findings demonstrate the continued scientific value of DAMPE and its role in advancing our understanding of the γ-ray universe.
| Collaboration(s) | DAMPE |
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