Events Calendar

Dr. Carolyn Kierans; NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow; Goddard Space Flight Center

“Developing Next-Generation MeV Telescopes”

Abstract: There is a growing interest in the science uniquely enabled with observations in the MeV gamma-ray range. High-energy sources that peak spectrally in the MeV range allow for a study of extreme environments, compact objects, and relativistic jets. The signature of nuclear emission lines from isotopes created in massive stars and their supernovae provide fingerprint-like probes of stellar structure and evolution. Furthermore, MeV observations provide a necessary electromagnetic diagnostic for multimessenger sources. However, current observations have been constrained by technological limitations and novel detectors are needed to make progress in MeV gamma-ray astrophysics. In this talk, I will introduce current gamma-ray detector technologies with a discussion of detection methods and general design considerations. I will present current development of next-generation gamma-ray telescopes and briefly discuss gamma-ray science that could be realized in the next decades.