Experimental Particle and Astro-Particle Physics Seminar

Europe/Zurich
Stefanos Leontsinis (University of Zurich (CH))
Description

Abstract: Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) above 100 PeV could be detected from space by pointing to the Earth's limb when the optical emission from extensive air showers (EAS) is produced. A space-born experiment could also play a key role in the multi-messenger field if the detection of Earth-skimming neutrinos is ensured. The validation process for this detection of rare UHE events goes through precursors such as the NUSES space mission, designed to be operated in a sun-synchronous, quasi-polar, low Earth orbit. The satellite platform, developed by TAS-I, will host two payloads: Terzina, mainly discussed in this seminar, and ZIRE', devoted to low energy cosmic and gamma rays, space weather, and magnetosphere-ionosphere-lithosphere coupling. The Terzina telescope aims to detect UHECRs through the Cherenkov light emission from EAS that they create in the Earth's atmosphere.  In this seminar, the telescope detection goals, geometry, optical and electronics design and its photon detection camera composed of Silicon Photo-Multipliers will be described. In addition, the full Monte Carlo simulation developed to estimate Terzina's performance for UHECR detection will be shown. Terzina will be able to study the potential for future physics missions (e.g. POEMMA) devoted to UHECR detection and to UHE neutrino astronomy.

zoom room link

    • 14:00 15:00
      The Terzina telescope on board the NUSES space mission 1h
      Speakers: Dr Caterina Trimarelli (UNIGE), Caterina Trimarelli (Universite de Geneve (CH))