Speaker
Description
The prototype Schwarzschild–Couder Telescope (pSCT), installed at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, serves as a technological pathfinder for next-generation imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. Its dual-mirror Schwarzschild–Couder optical design enables a compact focal plane and fine imaging scale, fully exploiting the capabilities of silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) sensors for high-resolution gamma-ray observations.
A major upgrade of the pSCT focal plane is currently in progress. The new camera will be fully equipped with 11,382 improved SiPM pixels, increasing the field of view from 2.7° to 8° while significantly enhancing photon detection efficiency, angular resolution, and gamma–hadron separation. This upgrade represents a substantial step forward in imaging performance, enabling more precise reconstruction of air-shower morphology and improved sensitivity to extended and faint gamma-ray sources. After the successful detection of the Crab Nebula with a partially instrumented camera, the upgrade will fully demonstrate the scientific and technological potential of the Schwarzschild–Couder approach for precision gamma-ray astrophysics and multi-messenger studies. Additionally, the implementation of upgraded low-noise front-end electronics will reduce the trigger threshold and improve event reconstruction accuracy. The combination of expanded field of view, improved sensor performance, and optimized readout electronics will enable the pSCT to fully exploit the advantages of its optical design and validate key technologies for future high-resolution gamma-ray instruments.
This contribution focuses on the status of the camera upgrade, including sensor production, module integration, commissioning plans, and performance expectations.