FOCUSING TELESCOPES IN NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS

The objective of this workshop was to consider the next generation of instrumentation to be required within the domain of nuclear astrophysics. A small, but growing community has been pursuing various techniques for the focusing of hard X-rays and gamma-rays with the aim of achieving a factor of up to 100 improvement in sensitivity over present technologies.

Balloon flight tests of both multilayer mirrors and a Laue lens have been performed and ideas abound. At present, implementation scenarios for space missions are being studied at ESA, CNES, and elsewhere. The workshop provided a first opportunity for this new community to meet, exchange technological know-how, discuss scientific objectives and synergies, and consolidate implementation approaches within National and European Space Science programs. The workshop presentations can be found on this website.

The proceedings of the workshop have been published the journal "Experimental Astronomy" (-> online articles) and are also available in the form of the Springer volume "Focusing Telescopes in Nuclear Astrophysics" (-> book): Fortyeight refereed papers provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific potential and technical challenges of this nascent tool for nuclear astrophysics. The book features articles dealing with pivotal technologies such as grazing incident mirrors, multilayer coatings, Laue- and Fresnel-lenses - and even an optic using the curvature of space-time.
The volume also presents an overview of detectors matching the ambitious objectives of gamma ray optics, and facilities for operating such systems on the ground and in space. The extraordinary scientific potential of focusing gamma-ray telescopes for the study of the most powerful sources and the most violent events in the Universe is emphasized in a series of introductory articles.
Practicing professionals, and students interested in experimental high-energy astrophysics, will find the "gamma-wave" book a useful reference.

Update :29 September 2005
Questions and comments : Peter von Ballmoos