M@TE - Monitoring at TeV Energies

Abstract

Blazars are extremely variable objects emitting radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum and showing variability on time scales from minutes to years. For the understanding of the emission mechanisms, simultaneous multi-wavelength observations are crucial. Various models for flares predict simultaneous flux increases in the X-ray and gamma-ray band or more complex variability patterns, depending on the dominant process responsible for the gamma-ray emission. Monitoring at TeV energies is providing important information to distinguish between different models. To study duty cycle and variability time scales of an object, an unbiased data sample is essential, and good sensitivity and continuous monitoring are needed to resolve smaller time scales. A dedicated long-term monitoring program at TeV energies has been started by the FACT project. Its success clearly illustrated that the usage of silicon based photo sensors (SIPMs) is ideal for long-term monitoring. They provide not only an excellent and stable detector performance, but also allow for observations during bright ambient light minimizing observational gaps and increasing the instrument's duty cycle. The observation time in a single longitude is limited to 6 hours. To study typical variability time scales of few hours to one day, the ultimate goal is 24/7 monitoring with a network of small telescopes around the globe (DWARF project). The installation of an Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescope is planned in San Pedro Martir, Mexico. For the M@TE (Monitoring at TeV energies) telescope, a mount from a previous experiment is being refurbished to be equipped with a camera using the new generation of SiPMs. In the presentation, the status of the M@TE project will be reported outlining the scientific potential, including the possibility to extend monitoring campaigns to 12 hours by coordinated observations together with FACT.