Novel design for an all-sky low-energy gamma-ray observatory (ALLEGRO)

Abstract

We present a novel concept for a MIDEX satellite mission that allows all sky coverage for gamma-ray bursts and hard x-ray transients. The multiscale alternating shadow collimator (MASC) alone allows for arc minute positioning of 1 second bursts 3 times weaker than the BATSE sensitivity. Our scientific objectives include the ability: (a) to detect and monitor thousands of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and hard x- ray sources with sensitivity 3-10 times better than BATSE; (b) to solve the gamma-ray burst mystery; (c) to use gamma- ray bursts as probes of cosmological star formation and to measure cosmological parameters; (d) to understand the physics of the high energy radiation from AGNs and BLAZARs; (e) to study the physics of matter in the extreme around black holes and neutron stars; (f) to determine the pulsar birth rate and physical characteristics. The mission concept, MASC concept, and simulations are presented.