Coded-aperture x-ray/gamma-ray telescope for arc-minute localization of gamma-ray bursts

Michael L. Cherry, Louisiana State University
P. Parker Altice, Louisiana State University
David L. Band, Louisiana State University
James Buckley, Louisiana State University
T. Gregory Guzik, Louisiana State University
Paul L. Hink, Louisiana State University
S. Cheenu Kappadath, Louisiana State University
John R. Macri, Louisiana State University
James L. Matteson, Louisiana State University
Mark L. McConnell, Louisiana State University
Terrence J. O'Neill, Louisiana State University
James M. Ryan, Louisiana State University
Kimberly R. Slavis, Louisiana State University
J. Gregory Stacy, Louisiana State University
Allen D. Zych, Louisiana State University

Abstract

MARGIE (Minute-of-Arc Resolution Gamma-Ray Imaging Experiment) will be a large-area (approx. 104 cm2), wide field-of-view (approx. 26° half-angle), hard X-ray/gamma-ray imaging telescope capable of providing accurate positions for faint gamma-ray bursts in near-real-time and of performing a sensitive survey of both steady and transient cosmic sources. The instrument is designed to image faint bursts at the low-intensity (high-redshift) end of the log N - log S distribution. MARGIE was recently selected by NASA for a mission-concept study for an Ultra Long Duration Balloon flight. We describe a program to develop an instrument based on the new detector technology of either cadmium zinc telluride room-temperature semiconductors or pixellated cesium iodide scintillators viewed by fast timing charge-coupled devices.