Optimizing the search for high-z GRBs: The JANUS X-ray coded aperture telescope

D. N. Burrows, D. Fox, D. Palmer, P. Romano, V. Mangano, V. La Parola, A. D. Falcone, P. W.A. Roming

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

We discuss the optimization of gamma-ray burst (GRB) detectors with a goal of maximizing the detected number of bright high-redshift GRBs, in the context of design studies conducted for the X-ray transient detector on the JANUS mission. We conclude that the optimal energy band for detection of high-z GRBs is below about 30 keV. We considered both lobster-eye and coded aperture designs operating in this energy band. Within the available mass and power constraints, we found that the coded aperture mask was preferred for the detection of high-z bursts with bright enough afterglows to probe galaxies in the era of the Cosmic Dawn. This initial conclusion was confirmed through detailed mission simulations that found that the selected design (an X-ray Coded Aperture Telescope) would detect four times as many bright, high-z GRBs as the lobster-eye design we considered. The JANUS XCAT instrument will detect 48 GRBs with z > 5 and fluence S x > 3 × 10-7 erg cm-2 in a two year mission.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)59-68
Number of pages10
JournalMemorie della Societa Astronomica Italiana, Supplementi - Journal of the Italian Astronomical Society, Supplement
Volume21
StatePublished - 2012
EventGRBs as Probes: From the Progenitors Environment to the High - Como, Italy
Duration: May 16 2011May 20 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Instrumentation
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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