The IACT Optical System of the TAIGA Observatory Complex

Abstract

TAIGA (Tunka Advanced Instrument for Gamma Astronomy) is designed for studying gamma rays and charged cosmic particles in the energy range of 10¹³–10¹⁸ eV. The staff of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is now working on the design and fabrication of Cherenkov telescope elements (IACTs). The IACT field of view is ~10° × 10°, due to a Davis–Cotton optical layout with 34 mirrors 0.60 m in diameter, a focal length of 4.75 m, and 560 XP1911 PMT camera. The first IACT was commissioned in 2016 in the Tunka Valley. The second IАСТ is now being prepared for operation. The steps of PMT alignment and the results from its calibration are thoroughly described along with the fabrication of a mirror and its optical parameters. The technique for adjusting the mirror is presented as well. It replaces the conventional visual assessment of the image with pattern recognition software that is applied to a screen shot of the calibration source. This software ensures highly precise calculations of the mirror’s adjusting screws to obtain a correct image.