Speakers
Description
Crystal Eye is a small satellite concept for a space-based all-sky monitor to make observations in the 10 keV – 30 MeV photon range. It will exploit novel detection techniques and use high density scintillator crystals (LYSO and GAGG) coupled with Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs). The detector is designed for enhanced localization capability and detection power of astrophysical short-duration outburst phenomena in an unexplored electromagnetic energy range with respect to other concurrent instruments. Moreover, in order to enhance our understanding about these phenomena through the study of simultaneous multi-messenger occurrences, the satellite will be able to provide real-time alerts as well as precise location information to both space and ground based experiments. The instrument will also provide the opportunity to study different steady astrophysical sources in the unique energy range mentioned above, with special detection techniques. The detector is additionally suitable for the study of space weather from the low-Earth orbit, along with other energetic phenomena (like TGFs) originating from the Earth’s atmosphere. The full scale design of the instrument has been optimized and the engineering qualification model is going to be realized at this stage. Furthermore, a scaled down prototype made of three full-sized pixels is in the integration process and prepared to fly aboard the Space Rider (ESA) mission in a low-Earth orbit for a tentative lifetime of two months in 2027. This pathfinder has the aim of characterizing the background in-orbit and verifying the technology for space use. Here, the scientific potential of the instruments are discussed along with performance estimates and hardware progress.