An LED-based Flasher System for VERITAS

We describe a flasher system designed for use in monitoring the gains of the photomultiplier tubes used in the VERITAS gamma-ray telescopes. This system uses blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) so it can be operated at much higher rates than a traditional laser-based system. Calibration information can be obtained with better statistical precision with reduced loss of observing time. The LEDs are also much less expensive than a laser. The design features of the new system are presented, along with measurements made with a prototype mounted on one of the VERITAS telescopes.

Gamma-ray astronomy
Photomultiplier tube
LED
Calibration system
VERITAS
photomultiplier
calibration
monitoring
gamma ray
laser

References(3)

Figures(20)

VERITAS: The Very energetic radiation imaging telescope array system

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The first VERITAS telescope

VERITAS

Collaboration

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Jamie Holder

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- Nucl.Instrum.Meth. 39 173