Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
1989
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Physics and Astronomy
First Advisor
Richard C. Lamb
Abstract
This dissertation is on the use of Cherenkov imaging for background reduction in TeV Astronomy. The technique of measuring the angular distribution of Cherenkov light from air showers as a means of identifying the primary particle type has been predicted to lead to a significant increase in the sensitivity for ground-based [gamma]-ray telescopes. The hardware test of imaging successfully finds the Cherenkov light patterns from local cosmic ray particles using the Whipple Observatory collaboration's air Cherenkov telescope. This shows that a Whipple type imaging detector is sensitive to subtle images and therefore suitable for such a technique. A Monte Carlo simulation test confirms the current knowledge of the angular distribution of Cherenkov light expected from [gamma]-ray induced air showers. The search for TeV photons from two massive X-ray binaries, 4U0115+63 and V0332+53, using both uncut and image selected data sets shows little evidence for emission from either source.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/rtd-180813-11253
Publisher
Digital Repository @ Iowa State University, http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/
Copyright Owner
Daryl Jack Macomb
Copyright Date
1989
Language
en
Proquest ID
AAI9014926
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
179 pages
Recommended Citation
Macomb, Daryl Jack, "Tests and applications of Cherenkov imaging in TeV astronomy " (1989). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 9151.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/9151
