Extreme time and angular resolution in the optical with Cherenkov telescopes

Introduction

The universe in the visible wavelength remains largely unexplored in the sub-second time regime and sub-milliarcsecond scale, primarily due to instrumental limitations. Overcoming these impediments would bring a breakthrough in our knowledge of stellar physics, evolution, and modelling by imaging the stars and their surroundings, as well as unraveling the history of the Solar System.

Project Overview

MicroStars will demonstrate the viability of a cost-effective and novel solution to enhance the capabilities of Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) to perform ultra-fast optical measurements. Such an upgrade allows two novel applications of these telescopes in the visible range:

1. Their use as Stellar Intensity Interferometers.
2. Their use as high-time-resolution, fast, high-precision photometers.

Potential Impact

MicroStars will allow expanding the limiting time and angular resolution of current optical observatories by at least an order of magnitude. By upgrading the capabilities of next-generation IACTs, MicroStars has the potential to create a host of scientific breakthroughs, answering fundamental questions regarding:

• Stellar physics
• Magnetic activity and modelling
• Exoplanet properties
• Solar System planetary formation

Interdisciplinary Nature

The interdisciplinary and field-transforming nature of MicroStars, merging astroparticle physics instrumentation with optical astronomy, will extend the scientific life of current IACT experiments and greatly expand the scientific impact of the next generation: the Cherenkov Telescope Array.

Funding Requirements

Bringing this proposal to life is only possible with an ambitious funding scheme, willing to finance the major equipment needed and support a research team with the required multidisciplinary skills to expand the state of the art with novel instrumentation and methodologies.