GammaTPC: a next generation application of HEP technology in space

Jan 31, 2023 - 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Location

SLAC, Building 048, Madrone Conf. Room (Room 224)

Speaker
Tom Shutt (KIPAC) In Person and zoom https://stanford.zoom.us/j/98973156241?pwd=cEU5RFdlVXoyc0JTeTlDMkozKzQ5UT09

Zoom info: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/98973156241?pwd=cEU5RFdlVXoyc0JTeTlDMkozKzQ5…

I will talk about GammaTPC, a new concept for a potentially transformative MeV astrophysical gamma ray instrument.   The MeV sky is largely unexplored due to the difficulty of measuring photons in this energy range, but has great potential, particularly in the upcoming era of multi-messenger transient astrophysics as a complement to Rubin and gravitational wave observatories.  GammaTPC is based on liquid argon time projection chamber technology and promises a very large area and hence high sensitivity at modest cost, with pointing accuracy and energy resolution at least competitive with other possible technologies.  A core part GammaTPC is GAMPix and new charge readout scheme that enables fine grained readout over large area at very low power, and has other potential applications including neutrino physics.  There are a few other amusing challenges to fielding a liquid noble TPC in low Earth orbit.