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Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory: Fast Response Space Missions forEarly Time Phase of Gamma Ray Bursts
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 July 2013
Abstract
One of the unexplored domains in the study of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is the early timephase of the optical light curve. We have proposed Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory (UFFO) toaddress this question through extraordinary opportunities presented by a series of smallspace missions. The UFFO is equipped with a fast-response Slewing Mirror Telescope thatuses a rapidly moving mirror or mirror array to redirect the optical beam rather thanslewing the entire spacecraft or telescope to aim the optical instrument at the GRBposition. The UFFO will probe the early optical rise of GRBs with sub-second response, forthe first time, opening a completely new frontier in GRB and transient studies. Its fastresponse measurements of the optical emission of dozens of GRB each year will provideunique probes of the burst mechanism and test the prospect of GRB as a new standardcandle, potentially opening up the z > 10 universe. We describe the current limit inearly photon measurements, the aspects of early photon physics, our soon-to-be-launchedUFFO-pathfinder mission, and our next planned mission, the UFFO-100.
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- © EAS, EDP Sciences 2013