The gamma-ray detection capabilities of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) remain a prime candidate for the cosmological dark matter (DM), even in the absence of current collider signals that would unambiguously point to new physics below the TeV scale. The self-annihilation of these particles in astronomical targets may leave observable imprints in cosmic rays of various kinds. In this review, we focus on gamma rays which we argue to play a pronounced role among the various possible messengers. We discuss the most promising spectral and spatial signatures to look for, give an update on the current state of gamma-ray searches for DM and an outlook concerning future prospects. We also assess in some detail the implications of a potential signal identification for particle DM models as well as for our understanding of structure formation. Special emphasis is put on the possible evidence for a 130 GeV line-like signal that we recently identified in the data of the Fermi gamma-ray space telescope.

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“…[20] (Fermi-LAT), [21][22][23] (AMS-02), [24][25][26] (GAMMA-400), [27] (MAGIC), [28] (HESS-II) and [29] (CTA).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gamma ray signals from dark matter: Concepts, status and prospects

Bringmann

Weniger

2012

Physics of the Dark Universe

249

286

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“…The AMS physics program [2] includes Antimatter search with unprecedented sensitivity, a quantitative analysis of the galactic cosmic rays, dark matter indirect searches and gamma-ray astrophysics. The gamma-ray physics domain will be probed by AMS using two different and complementary approaches [3]: -by measuring converted e + /e À pairs in the silicon tracker (conversion mode); -as single photons in the imaging electromagnetic calorimeter (single-photon mode).…”

Section: Introduction and Science Casementioning

confidence: 99%

“…About half of the overall AMS gamma throughput for E c > 1 GeV ($1000 cm 2 · sr) is related to the high angular resolution conversion mode. Please refer to [3,4] for a more detailed description of AMS as a gamma-ray telescope.…”

Section: Introduction and Science Casementioning

confidence: 99%

AMICA, an astro-mapper for AMS

Monfardini¹,

Trampus

Battiston

et al. 2006

Astroparticle Physics

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“…The AMS-02 physics program [2] includes Antimatter search with unprecedented sensitivity, a quantitative analysis of the galactic Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter indirect searches and Gamma-Ray astrophysics. The Gamma Ray physics domain will be probed by AMS-02 using two different and complementary approaches [3]:…”

Section: Ams-02mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…About half of the overall AMS-02 gamma throughput for Eγ > 1GeV (~1000 cm 2 ×sr) is related to the high angular resolution conversion mode. Please refer to [3,4] for a more detailed description of AMS-02 as a gamma-ray telescope. The AMS-02 subsystem considered in this paper is the AMICA (Astro Mapper for Instrument Check of Attitude) Star Tracker (AST).…”

Section: Ams-02mentioning

confidence: 99%

The AMS Star Tracker Thermal Qualification Overview

Cascioli¹,

Borsini²,

Gargiulo³

et al. 2007

SAE Technical Paper Series

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Four different thermal-vacuum tests were performed on AMICA Star Tracker (AST) in the period March-July 2006 in the space simulator of the SERMS laboratory in Terni-Italy. Each of these tests was designed to verify different AST camera design features. The Thermal Balance test was conceived to validate the thermo-elastic model of the instrument and the active and passive thermal control subsystems. The Thermal Vacuum Cycling test was conceived to validate the AST electronics operative and survival temperature limits under vacuum conditions. The worst hot and cold operative and survival limits of the lens and filters in the AST optical system were assessed by means of the "Sun in the lens" and Lens Cold tests.

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The gamma-ray detection capabilities of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Abstract: The modeled performance of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) as a high-energy (0.3 to 100 GeV) gamma-ray detector is described, and its gamma-ray astrophysics objectives are discussed.

Cited by 23 publications

References 65 publications

Gamma ray signals from dark matter: Concepts, status and prospects

Gamma ray signals from dark matter: Concepts, status and prospects

AMICA, an astro-mapper for AMS

The AMS Star Tracker Thermal Qualification Overview

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