The MAGIC Telescope ∗

A project to construct a 17m ø imaging air Čerenkov telescope, dubbed MAGIC Telescope (Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cerenkov Telescope), for the observation of high energy cosmic gamma rays is described. The main aim is to explore gamma-ray sources in the up to now unexplored energy range between 20-200 GeV. The telescope will incorporate several novel features such as a high quantum efficiency (QE), red-sensitive camera, an active mirror control and a light weight construction for facilitating rapid repositioning during a gamma-ray burst search. The energy threshold will be between 10 and 30 GeV depending on the type of camera used. Red extended high QE light sensors will permit observations of sources at large zenith angles and in the presence of moonlight. It should be possible to observe high redshift, extragalactic sources which are very likely unobservable at higher energies because of the interaction of γ-rays with the IR and the 2.7 K microwave background radiation. A 5σ detection limit for point sources with a flux of 6 · 10 cm s at 20-50 GeV is expected for 100 hours of ’on-source’ observation time. Another advantage of this telescope will be its high sensitivity towards gamma-ray bursters (GRBs) of prolonged (≥ 100 s) HE/VHE gamma emission, provided fast and precise information on the burster’s position is available. We estimate that an investment of ≈ 6 million DM and a construction time between 2.5 and 3.5 years will be needed. Some information for the readers 1. In order to facilitate fast reading for those not interested in details we have listed at the beginning of each chapter a series of key words and, whenever relevant, some performance parameters. 2. This document has been produced over an extended time. In order to include the latest progress and test results, additional reports are added in the appendix. 3. In some cases alternative solutions for a specific problem have been worked out. Instead of choosing only one, we opted to present alternatives as well. Some of the options are either not yet within the limits of the financial resources or need further developments. In order to distinguish the various options from the design considered at present as being the most realistic one, we have named the latter MTD96 (Model Telescope Design 96).