Astrophysical gamma ray telescope prototype

COCOA (COmpact COmpton cAmera) is a next-generation gamma-ray detector concept aimed at astrophysical observations in the MeV energy range, combining high detection efficiency with a compact and scalable design. The instrument is based on a Compton camera architecture, using an opaque liquid scintillator scatterer instrumented with wavelength-shifting fibers and silicon photomultipliers, coupled to a high-resolution scintillating crystal calorimeter. This configuration enables three-dimensional reconstruction of gamma-ray interactions while keeping the number of readout channels and the overall detector complexity relatively low, making COCOA suitable for future deployment on high-altitude balloon missions and small satellite platforms.

A summer internship position is available to contribute to the assembly, commissioning, and operation of a laboratory prototype of the COCOA detector. The project focuses on hands-on experimental work, including in particular:
• mechanical assembly of the prototype detector and integration of its sub-components,
• setup, commissioning, and debugging of front-end electronics and data-acquisition systems,
• gamma-ray data taking using radioactive sources, as well as measurements with cosmic rays,
• detector calibration and stability studies,
• analysis of experimental data to characterize light yield, energy resolution, and spatial reconstruction performance,
• comparison of experimental results with Monte Carlo simulations, and validation of reconstruction algorithms.

Depending on the candidate’s background and interests, the project may emphasize hardware integration, data analysis, or simulation. The position is intended for advanced undergraduate or Master’s students in physics with an interest in experimental detector development.

References
[1] S.R. Soleti et al., "COCOA: A compact Compton camera for astrophysical observation of MeV-scale gamma rays,'" Astropart. Phys. 172 (2025), 103135 doi:10.1016/j.astropartphys.2025.103135 [arXiv:2502.20916 [astro-ph.IM]].