FAMOUS – A prototype silicon photomultiplier telescope for the fluorescence detection of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays

Abstract

Due to their high photon detection efficiency, silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) promise to increase the sensitivity of today's fluorescence telescopes which use photomultiplier tubes to detect light originating from extensive air showers. On the other hand, drawbacks like a small sensitive area, a strong temperature dependence, a high noise rate and a reduced dynamic range have to be managed. We present plans for FAMOUS, a prototype fluorescence telescope using SiPMs and a special light collecting optical system of Winston cones to increase the sensitive area. The prototype will make use of a Fresnel lens. For several different types of SiPMs we measured their characteristics. Moreover, we will present the R&D in compact modular electronics using photon counting techniques. An evaluation of the performance of the optical telescope design is performed by means of a full detector simulation.