Particle Physics(PPD)
Physique des particules (PPD)
Ken RAGAN
McGill University
STACEE continues, VERITAS lives!
We will discuss the current status of the STACEE and VERITAS ground-based gamma-ray astrophysics projects. Both are based on the proven Atmospheric Cherenkov Technique (ACT) in which high-energy gamma-rays are detected by observation of the Cherenkov light produced by their cascades in the upper atmosphere. STACEE samples the resulting Cherenkov wavefront using the large mirrors of a solar research facility, in principle allowing lower thresholds than hitherto obtained from first-generation ACT instruments. STACEE is complete and operating and results will be presented from the data taken to date.
VERITAS is an array of 4 imaging telescopes, each of which creates an image of the Cherenkov shower in a pixelated camera. It is now under construction in Arizona and scheduled for completion in early 2006. We will present the current status of the detector and its foreseen capabilities, as well as data from the prototype which has been recently commissioned.